| Index | Safford | Arizona | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 101 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 80 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 102 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 103 | 101 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 103 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Safford can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Safford cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
In Safford, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Safford will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Safford affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Safford, for instance, where the median home price falls 20.3% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 18.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Safford flaunting a median household income of $83,676, 2.9% higher than the national norm.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Safford, the housing index is 19.7% lower 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 cost of living estimates displayed for Safford are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $101,040 | $8,420 | $2,357 | $3,032 |
| Renters | $37,296 | $3,108 | $870 | $1,119 |
| 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. |
| Bryce, AZ | 122 | 102 | 1.9% |
| San Jose, AZ | 482 | 91 | 9.0% |
| Swift Trail Junction, AZ | 2,839 | 91 | 8.7% |
| Pima, AZ | 2,602 | 94 | 6.3% |
| Solomon, AZ | 640 | 96 | 4.4% |
| Safford, AZ | 10,079 | 95 | 4.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fort Stewart, GA | 10,077 | 111 | 10.9% |
| Dunn, NC | 10,073 | 93 | 7.3% |
| Inwood, NY | 10,072 | 145 | 45.3% |
| Woodbury, NJ | 10,086 | 106 | 6.2% |
| Stonegate, CO | 10,065 | 147 | 47.1% |
| Safford, AZ | 10,079 | 95 | 4.6% |
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