A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
12%
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 Yuma Arizona National
Cost of living99101100
Groceries103101100
Health care100101100
Housing8896100
Transportation104102100
Utilities114111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103103100
Household Items104101100
Education & Childcare104103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Yuma, AZ

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Yuma? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Yuma stands at 99, making it 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Yuma, 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 Yuma will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Yuma?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 16 residents in Yuma to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 44% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 56% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Yuma Affordable?

Is Yuma 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 Yuma, for instance, where the median home price falls 16.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 2.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Yuma flaunting a median household income of $78,873, 3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Yuma?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Yuma, the utilities index is 14.2% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Yuma, healthcare costs are 0.5% lower than the national average.

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 Yuma, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and the income tax rates commence at 2.5%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Yuma 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 Yuma is 2% lower than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Yuma is 1% lower than the national average
  • Yuma housing is 12% 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 Yuma

See all the best places to live around Yuma

Compare Yuma, AZ Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$99,713$8,309$2,326$2,992
      Renters$52,525$4,377$1,226$1,576
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Yuma, 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 Yuma, the median monthly income is $99,713 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,326 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,525, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,226 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.
      Winterhaven, CA1571044.0%
      Padre Ranchitos, AZ521044.0%
      Buckshot, AZ51044.0%
      Rancho Mesa Verde, AZ8928613.8%
      Drysdale, AZ4058713.0%
      Yuma, AZ99,763990.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Marcos, CA99,85116665.8%
      Lawrence, KS99,660991.2%
      Flint, MI99,4367722.9%
      Longmont, CO99,36013333.2%
      Erie, PA100,2858613.6%
      Yuma, AZ99,763990.7%
      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.