| Index | Payson | Arizona | National |
| Cost of living | 110 | 101 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 101 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 128 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 102 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 103 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Payson is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Payson is 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Payson aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Payson residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Housing costs significantly influence the Payson 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 28.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 10 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Payson and this is how they responded. 50% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 50% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Wondering if Payson is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Payson, for example, the median home price is 38.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 3.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Payson boasting a median household income of $83,203, which is 2.3% higher than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Payson, the transportation index is 4% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Payson, the utilities index registers at 11.1% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
The Payson cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
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| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $84,662 | $7,055 | $1,975 | $2,540 |
| Renters | $75,675 | $6,306 | $1,766 | $2,270 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Arizona | 5.6% | 10.725% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Arizona | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Flowing Springs, AZ | 28 | 103 | 2.9% |
| Round Valley, AZ | 736 | 102 | 1.8% |
| Geronimo Estates, AZ | 0 | 103 | 2.9% |
| Rye, AZ | 33 | 102 | 1.8% |
| Oxbow Estates, AZ | 259 | 102 | 1.8% |
| Payson, AZ | 16,047 | 110 | 9.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Jasper, IN | 16,040 | 91 | 8.6% |
| Tracadie, NB | 16,034 | n/a | |
| Bridgeview, IL | 16,031 | 102 | 1.9% |
| Dickson, TN | 16,026 | 94 | 5.9% |
| Asbury Park, NJ | 16,068 | 136 | 36.0% |
| Payson, AZ | 16,047 | 110 | 9.7% |
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