Cost of Living in Rio Rico, AZ
Population 21,798 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Rio Rico can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $213,000 against $63,692 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 45 miles south of Tucson, Rio Rico falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Tucson's $242,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rio Rico
The median home value in Rio Rico is $212,600 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,049/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,692/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, 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, Rio Rico has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less 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 Rio Rico, AZ?
Rio Rico has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rio Rico, AZ?
The median gross rent in Rio Rico is $1,049 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rio Rico?
The median home value in Rio Rico is $212,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rio Rico?
The median household income in Rio Rico is $63,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rio Rico, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rio Rico is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Rio Rico, AZ affordable?
Yes, Rio Rico is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Rio Rico at a Glance
- Population
- 21,798
- Median Income
- $63,692
- Home Value
- $212,600
- Median Rent
- $1,049/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
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Arizona Rankings
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