Cost of Living in Carefree, AZ
Population 3,672 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Carefree run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $141,331 place the city among the better-paid Arizona metros.
Located 10 miles north of Scottsdale, Carefree falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 50% higher than Scottsdale's $710,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carefree
The median home value in Carefree is $1,066,600 — 250% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,685/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,331/year is 90% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below 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, Carefree has a cost of living index of 261 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 161% more expensive.
Carefree 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 Carefree, AZ?
Carefree has a cost index of 261 (100 = national average). It is 161% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carefree, AZ?
The median gross rent in Carefree is $1,685 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carefree?
The median home value in Carefree is $1,066,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carefree?
The median household income in Carefree is $141,331 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carefree, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carefree is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Carefree, AZ affordable?
Carefree is above average in cost of living, with an index of 261 — about 161% higher than the national average.
Carefree at a Glance
- Population
- 3,672
- Median Income
- $141,331
- Home Value
- $1,066,600
- Median Rent
- $1,685/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
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