State protections, taxes, prices, climate and community for two places that appeal to the same kind of retiree. Figures with a source link to it; state law and tax data are sourced on the states page.
| Palm Springs | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Home price | $608,373 Typical home value (Zillow) | $320,000 Median sale price (Redfin) |
| State housing law | Explicit state law | No statewide law |
| Public accommodations | Explicit state law | No statewide law |
| LTC protections | yes | no |
| State income tax | graduated high | flat low |
| Local ordinance | — | yes (source) |
| Governor | Gavin Newsom (Democratic) | Katie Hobbs (Democratic) |
| Summer high / winter low | 109° / 48° (source) | 100° / 41° (source) |
| Airport | PSP — Palm Springs International Airport, ~2 mi from downtown (source) | TUS — Tucson International Airport, ~8 mi from downtown (source) |
| Pride | Palm Springs Pride (Nov) (source) | — |
| LGBTQ+ district | Arenas District (source) | — |
| Cost of living index (100 = US avg) | 131.2 (source) | 97 (source) |
| Walk Score | 35 (source) | 43 (source) |
These two prices are different measures (Redfin median sale price vs. Zillow typical home value), so treat the gap between them as approximate.
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