A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
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 Sun City Arizona National
Cost of living102101100
Groceries102101100
Health care100101100
Housing10096100
Transportation104102100
Utilities108111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103103100
Household Items101101100
Education & Childcare101103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Sun City, AZ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Sun City 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 Sun City is 102, which is 2% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Sun City are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Sun City can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Sun City Affordable?

Wondering if Sun City 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 Sun City, for example, the median home price is 7.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Sun City boasting a median household income of $63,398, which is 22.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sun City?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

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.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Sun City, healthcare costs are 0.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Sun City 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sun City is 1% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Sun City is 2% higher than the national average
  • Sun City housing is equal to 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 Sun City

See all the best places to live around Sun City

Compare Sun City, 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$65,951$5,496$1,539$1,979
      Renters$54,517$4,543$1,272$1,636
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Sun City, 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 Sun City, the median monthly income is $65,951 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,539 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $54,517, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,272 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.
      Goodyear Village, AZ2838613.7%
      Deer Creek, AZ189964.2%
      Youngtown, AZ7,0441000.4%
      Tolleson, AZ7,5101044.2%
      El Mirage, AZ36,7291043.8%
      Sun City, AZ39,8731021.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Issaquah, WA39,87617272.4%
      Evans, GA39,85411414.3%
      Wheeling, IL39,8511044.0%
      Wausau, WI39,898909.7%
      Martinez, CA39,84117171.4%
      Sun City, AZ39,8731021.9%
      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.