Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Tucson, AZ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.1% of gross income.
Tucson rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tucson, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tucson
View full rent data for Tucson, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Tucson, AZ?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,425 a month. A typical paramedic in Arizona earns about $51,585 a year, which makes that rent 33.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Tucson?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Arizona (~$51,585/yr) supports up to $1,290 a month in rent. Tucson's current median rent is $1,425/mo, which is $135/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Tucson?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a paramedic in Arizona works roughly 57.5 hours a month to cover Tucson's median rent of $1,425.
Where is rent cheaper than Tucson for a paramedic?
Nearby Arizona cities with lower median rent include Sierra Vista ($1,423/mo), Youngtown ($1,423/mo), Kingman ($1,422/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.