Cost of Living in Benson, AZ
Population 5,331 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Benson is a smaller Arizona community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $48,854 and housing costs ($146,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 35 miles southeast of Tucson, Benson falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Tucson's $242,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benson
The median home value in Benson is $145,700 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $759/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,854/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arizona's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Benson has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Benson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Benson, AZ?
Benson has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benson, AZ?
The median gross rent in Benson is $759 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benson?
The median home value in Benson is $145,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benson?
The median household income in Benson is $48,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benson, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benson is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Benson, AZ affordable?
Yes, Benson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
Benson at a Glance
- Population
- 5,331
- Median Income
- $48,854
- Home Value
- $145,700
- Median Rent
- $759/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
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