Cost of Living in Chinle, AZ

Population 4,395 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

23
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $46,458, median household incomes in Chinle land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 14.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Chinle lies roughly 170 miles west of the nearest major metro, Rio Rancho — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 86% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 12
Rent 38

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Chinle

The median home value in Chinle is $38,000 — 88% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $504/month, 62% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,458/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 66.5°F and lows of 31.9°F. Overall, Chinle has a cost of living index of 23 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 77% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$38,000
88% below avg
Median Rent
$504/mo
62% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
6.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$985
1 BR
$1,055
2 BR
$1,373
3 BR
$1,877
4 BR
$2,092
Owner-occupied 47.3%
Renter-occupied 52.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$504
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,118/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.8 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.8%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
8.6%
Work from home
4.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 2.5%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 5.6%
Avg local rate 2.8%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,458
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,033
Unemployment Rate
14.6%
204% above avg
Poverty Rate
35.9%
Labor Force Participation
46.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.4%
Graduate degree 9.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.9
Male median age 31.4
Female median age 32.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.5°F
Avg Low
31.9°F
Annual Precip
11.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454958657485888579685646
Low °F 141924293645555243312114
Precip" 1.040.870.660.460.570.281.781.851.340.920.750.83

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 13 — Good
99.2%
Good air days/yr
106
Max AQI recorded
65
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

24%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14:1
Student-teacher ratio
9
Public schools
3,634
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chinle, AZ?

Chinle has a cost index of 23 (100 = national average). It is 77% below the national average.

What is average rent in Chinle, AZ?

The median gross rent in Chinle is $504 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chinle?

The median home value in Chinle is $38,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Chinle?

The median household income in Chinle is $46,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chinle, AZ?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chinle is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.

Is Chinle, AZ affordable?

Yes, Chinle is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 23 — about 77% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Chinle?

Chinle has average high temperatures of 66.5°F and average lows of 31.9°F. Annual precipitation is 11.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chinle at a Glance

Population
4,395
Median Income
$46,458
Home Value
$38,000
Median Rent
$504/mo
Unemployment
14.6%
Avg High Temp
66.5°F
Sales Tax
8.4%
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