Cost of Living in Flagstaff, AZ
Population 76,333 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Flagstaff lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $503,000 — 65% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Arizona. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Flagstaff lies roughly 105 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Peoria — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Peoria's $429,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Flagstaff
The median home value in Flagstaff is $503,400 — 65% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,555/month, 18% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,041/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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, Flagstaff has a cost of living index of 146 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% more expensive.
🏠 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 Flagstaff, AZ?
Flagstaff has a cost index of 146 (100 = national average). It is 46% above the national average.
What is average rent in Flagstaff, AZ?
The median gross rent in Flagstaff is $1,555 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Flagstaff?
The median home value in Flagstaff is $503,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Flagstaff?
The median household income in Flagstaff is $68,041 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Flagstaff, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Flagstaff is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Flagstaff, AZ affordable?
Flagstaff is above average in cost of living, with an index of 146 — about 46% higher than the national average.
Flagstaff at a Glance
- Population
- 76,333
- Median Income
- $68,041
- Home Value
- $503,400
- Median Rent
- $1,555/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs