Cost of Living in Paradise Valley, AZ

Population 12,621 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023

500
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Paradise Valley cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $2 million, roughly 7 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 8 miles east of Phoenix, Paradise Valley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 424% higher than Phoenix's $382,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Paradise Valley

The median home value in Paradise Valley is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $236,250/year is 217% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Paradise Valley has a cost of living index of 500 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 400% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$3,451,504
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,891/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
47.6x
Favors renting
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 95.1%
Renter-occupied 4.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
24.0 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.8%
Carpooled
6.2%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
0.2%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
25.8%

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
$236,250
217% above avg
Per Capita Income
$149,318
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Labor Force Participation
51.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.5%
Graduate degree 34.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55.5
Male median age 55.6
Female median age 55.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 72 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
183
Max AQI recorded
91
PM2.5 days
193
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Paradise Valley, AZ?

Paradise Valley has a cost index of 500 (100 = national average). It is 400% above the national average.

What is average rent in Paradise Valley, AZ?

The median gross rent in Paradise Valley is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Paradise Valley?

The median home value in Paradise Valley is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Paradise Valley?

The median household income in Paradise Valley is $236,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Paradise Valley, AZ?

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

Is Paradise Valley, AZ affordable?

Paradise Valley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 500 — about 400% higher than the national average.

Paradise Valley at a Glance

Population
12,621
Median Income
$236,250
Home Value
$2,000,001
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Sales Tax
8.4%
View all cities in Arizona →
🗺️ County data for Arizona

Explore county-level cost of living data

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