Cost of Living in Payson, AZ
Population 16,494 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Payson skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 59. Reported household income of $65,175 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Payson is about 50 miles northeast of Scottsdale, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Scottsdale's $710,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Payson
The median home value in Payson is $343,200 — 13% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,355/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,175/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 73.8°F and lows of 40.2°F, with about 18.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Payson has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 59 | 65 | 72 | 80 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 76 | 64 | 55 |
| Low °F | 26 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 59 | 52 | 41 | 31 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.27 | 2.33 | 1.89 | 0.82 | 0.54 | 0.21 | 2.81 | 2.60 | 1.54 | 1.26 | 1.48 | 2.09 |
| Snow" | 4.7 | 4.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 3.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Payson, AZ?
Payson has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in Payson, AZ?
The median gross rent in Payson is $1,355 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Payson?
The median home value in Payson is $343,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Payson?
The median household income in Payson is $65,175 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Payson, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Payson is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Payson, AZ affordable?
Payson is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Payson?
Payson has average high temperatures of 73.8°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 19.8". Average annual snowfall is 18.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Payson at a Glance
- Population
- 16,494
- Median Income
- $65,175
- Home Value
- $343,200
- Median Rent
- $1,355/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
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