A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
4%
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 Show Low Arizona National
Cost of living100101100
Groceries99101100
Health care102101100
Housing9696100
Transportation104102100
Utilities111111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102103100
Household Items100101100
Education & Childcare97103100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Show Low, AZ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Show Low 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 Show Low is 100, which is 0% equal to 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 Show Low closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Show Low can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Show Low?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Show Low. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Show Low Affordable?

Is Show Low 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 Show Low, for instance, where the median home price falls 6.4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 0.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Show Low flaunting a median household income of $73,469, 9.7% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Show Low?

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.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Show Low, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and income tax rates begin at 2.5%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Show Low, healthcare costs are 1.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Show Low cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Show Low is 1% lower than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Show Low is equal to the national average
  • Show Low housing is 4% lower 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 Show Low

See all the best places to live around Show Low

Compare Show Low, AZ Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Show Low?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Show Low?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Show Low poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$89,548$7,462$2,089$2,687
      Renters$47,444$3,954$1,107$1,423
      The affordability of the housing market in Show Low, AZ as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Show Low homeowners, the median income is $89,548. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,089 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $47,444. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,107 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Hondah, AZ1,1908416.0%
      McNary, AZ7928712.9%
      White Mountain Lake, AZ3,023918.8%
      Lake of the Woods, AZ3,748982.3%
      Taylor, AZ4,3681044.4%
      Show Low, AZ11,6701000.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hudson, FL11,6711000.5%
      Endwell, NY11,668990.7%
      Estevan, SK11,667n/a 
      Fort Morgan, CO11,6661054.9%
      Guthrie, OK11,6669010.0%
      Show Low, AZ11,6701000.1%
      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.