Cost of Living in Clifton, AZ

Population 3,845 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

31
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Clifton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $66,000 against $84,457 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 110 miles northeast of Tucson, Clifton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Tucson's $242,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 22
Rent 45

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

About the Cost of Living in Clifton

The median home value in Clifton is $66,000 — 78% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $592/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,457/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 81.4°F and lows of 51.4°F. Overall, Clifton has a cost of living index of 31 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 69% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$66,000
78% below avg
Median Rent
$592/mo
55% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.3x
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 40.2%
Renter-occupied 59.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$592
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,206/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
22.3 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
0

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.4%
Carpooled
18.2%
Walked
4.3%

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
$84,457
13% above avg
Per Capita Income
$26,216
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
68.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 1.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 24.9
Male median age 21.4
Female median age 30.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
81.4°F
Avg Low
51.4°F
Annual Precip
8"
30° 50° 70° 90° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 61667382911011009893837060
Low °F 343742485666727165524134
Precip" 0.710.620.470.190.170.241.331.280.880.720.520.85

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clifton, AZ?

Clifton has a cost index of 31 (100 = national average). It is 69% below the national average.

What is average rent in Clifton, AZ?

The median gross rent in Clifton is $592 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Clifton?

The median home value in Clifton is $66,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Clifton?

The median household income in Clifton is $84,457 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Clifton, AZ?

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

Is Clifton, AZ affordable?

Yes, Clifton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 31 — about 69% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Clifton?

Clifton has average high temperatures of 81.4°F and average lows of 51.4°F. Annual precipitation is 8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Clifton at a Glance

Population
3,845
Median Income
$84,457
Home Value
$66,000
Median Rent
$592/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
81.4°F
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Arizona

Explore county-level cost of living data

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