Cost of Living in Safford, AZ
Population 10,217 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Safford offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $192,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $65,727, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Safford lies roughly 85 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Tucson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Tucson's $242,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Safford
The median home value in Safford is $191,600 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $976/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,727/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 81.4°F and lows of 51.4°F. Overall, Safford has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 101 | 100 | 98 | 93 | 83 | 70 | 60 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 42 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 52 | 41 | 34 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.62 | 0.47 | 0.19 | 0.17 | 0.24 | 1.33 | 1.28 | 0.88 | 0.72 | 0.52 | 0.85 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Safford, AZ?
Safford has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Safford, AZ?
The median gross rent in Safford is $976 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Safford?
The median home value in Safford is $191,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Safford?
The median household income in Safford is $65,727 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Safford, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Safford is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Safford, AZ affordable?
Yes, Safford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Safford?
Safford 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.
Safford at a Glance
- Population
- 10,217
- Median Income
- $65,727
- Home Value
- $191,600
- Median Rent
- $976/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 81.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
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