F
35%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
112%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Catalina Foothills Arizona National
Cost of living135101100
Groceries100101100
Health care102101100
Housing21296100
Transportation102102100
Utilities111111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100103100
Household Items103101100
Education & Childcare97103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Catalina Foothills, AZ

Knowing the cost of living in Catalina Foothills allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Catalina Foothills stands at 135, marking it 35% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Catalina Foothills is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Catalina Foothills falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Catalina Foothills cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 111.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Catalina Foothills Affordable?

Is Catalina Foothills affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Catalina Foothills, the median home price is 153.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Catalina Foothills boasting a median household income of $143,751, 76.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Catalina Foothills?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Catalina Foothills, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and the income tax rates commence at 2.5%.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Catalina Foothills, is 111.7% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Catalina Foothills, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Catalina Foothills shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Catalina Foothills is 34% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Catalina Foothills is 35% higher than the national average
  • Catalina Foothills housing is 112% higher than the national average
  • Arizona general sales tax is 10% higher than the national average
  • Arizona state income tax is 4% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Catalina Foothills

See all the best places to live around Catalina Foothills

Compare Catalina Foothills, AZ Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$176,870$14,739$4,127$5,307
      Renters$84,140$7,012$1,963$2,524
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Catalina Foothills, AZ, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Catalina Foothills, the median monthly income is $176,870 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,127 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $84,140, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,963 on monthly rental expenses.

      Arizona Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arizona 5.6% 10.725%

      Arizona Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arizona 2.5% 2.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Summerhaven, AZ371021.9%
      Willow Canyon, AZ01021.9%
      Flowing Wells, AZ17,8908515.4%
      Littletown, AZ659909.7%
      South Tucson, AZ5,857919.3%
      Catalina Foothills, AZ52,22513534.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Battle Creek, MI52,2328515.1%
      Mascouche, QC52,212n/a 
      Collierville, TN52,24311918.6%
      Hoffman Estates, IL52,20111616.4%
      Galveston, TX52,0521011.4%
      Catalina Foothills, AZ52,22513534.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.