Tucson, Arizona | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Tucson, AZ!

Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant culinary scene. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it's renowned for its diverse food offerings and historic neighborhoods. For travel nurses, Tucson provides a welcoming community, numerous healthcare facilities, and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.Marriott+1Eater Phoenix+1

🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Tucson boasts a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	65°F	37°F	Cool and dry
February	69°F	40°F	Slightly warmer; still dry
March	74°F	43°F	Pleasant temperatures; ideal for hiking
April	82°F	50°F	Warm and sunny
May	90°F	57°F	Hotter days begin
June	100°F	67°F	Peak summer heat
July	101°F	74°F	Hottest month; monsoon season starts
August	98°F	72°F	Continued heat; monsoon rains
September	95°F	67°F	Gradual cooling
October	86°F	55°F	Comfortable temperatures
November	74°F	44°F	Mild and dry
December	66°F	38°F	Cool and pleasant

Annual precipitation averages around 11.16 inches, with the majority falling during the monsoon season in July and August. Tucson Guide

💰 Cost of Living

Tucson's cost of living is approximately 4% higher than the national average. Housing expenses are about 3% lower than the national average, with the median home price around $480,602 and median rent approximately $1,461 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above average, while healthcare expenses are about 10.7% lower than the national average. Payscale+1Apartments.com+1 Apartments.com

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

Furnished Finder – Tucson: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.
Airbnb – Tucson Monthly Stays: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays.
Zillow – Furnished Apartments in Tucson: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished.

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

Extended Stay America – Tucson: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry facilities.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Tucson: Provides modern accommodations with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and a convenient location.
WoodSpring Suites – Tucson: Features cozy rooms with home-like amenities, including a fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds: Offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a peaceful setting near Tucson.
Desert Trails RV Park: Provides spacious sites with amenities like laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and proximity to downtown Tucson.
Rincon Country RV Resorts: Features large RV sites, a heated pool, and family-friendly activities.

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.Tripalink+3Apartments.com+3Choice Hotels+3

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Tucson, AZ

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Explore nearly 500,000 acres of rugged peaks, canyons, and desert landscapes. Popular spots include Dripping Springs, Soledad Canyon, and Aguirre Springs, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning vistas.
Historic Mesilla Village: Stroll through this charming 19th-century plaza, featuring adobe buildings, unique shops, and the historic San Albino Basilica.
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum: Engage with interactive exhibits detailing 3,000 years of agricultural history, including live demonstrations and livestock displays.

Although we had a bike stolen, we still had a great time exploring Tucson

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

Mount Lemmon (1 hour):A scenic drive up the Catalina Highway leads to pine forests, cooler temperatures, hiking trails, and even skiing in the winter months! Don’t miss Summerhaven village for fudge and cozy eats.
Tombstone, AZ (1.5 hours):Step into the Wild West in this historic town known for the OK Corral gunfight. Enjoy reenactments, saloons, and the famous Boot Hill Cemetery.
Bisbee, AZ (2 hours):A funky mining town turned artist haven with colorful Victorian architecture, quirky galleries, ghost tours, and delicious eats.
Saguaro National Park (20–30 minutes):Tucson is the only city flanked by a national park on both sides! Explore forests of giant saguaro cacti, hike rugged desert trails, and catch stunning sunsets.
Phoenix, AZ (2 hours):Need a bigger city fix? Head to Phoenix for a day or weekend of shopping, pro sports, and cultural museums like the Desert Botanical Garden or Heard Museum.

Mt Lemmon and the observatory at the top was worth it!

🧭 Summary

Tucson, Arizona offers travel nurses the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, historic charm, and big-city perks — all set against a backdrop of saguaros and blue skies. With its warm community, thriving medical scene, and proximity to desert, mountains, and culture, Tucson is an incredible base for both work and play.

✅ Why Travel Nurses Love Tucson:

Affordable housing and plenty of short-term stay options
A true foodie's paradise — designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Access to endless hiking, biking, and stargazing
Unique cultural events like All Souls Procession and Tucson Gem Show
A slower pace than Phoenix but still packed with amenities

Whether you're soaking in the view from Gates Pass or grabbing a Sonoran hot dog downtown, Tucson is a one-of-a-kind destination for healthcare professionals who love sunshine, scenery, and southwestern soul. 🌞🌵🎨