Cost of Living in San Carlos, AZ
Population 4,769 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
San Carlos is a smaller Arizona community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,814 and housing costs ($68,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 18.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 65 miles east of San Tan Valley, San Carlos is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 81% lower than San Tan Valley's $366,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Carlos
The median home value in San Carlos is $67,700 — 78% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $397/month, 70% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,814/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.6%, 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, San Carlos has a cost of living index of 25 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 75% less expensive.
San Carlos has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 San Carlos, AZ?
San Carlos has a cost index of 25 (100 = national average). It is 75% below the national average.
What is average rent in San Carlos, AZ?
The median gross rent in San Carlos is $397 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos is $67,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in San Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos is $50,814 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Carlos, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Carlos is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is San Carlos, AZ affordable?
Yes, San Carlos is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 25 — about 75% below the US national average of 100.
San Carlos at a Glance
- Population
- 4,769
- Median Income
- $50,814
- Home Value
- $67,700
- Median Rent
- $397/mo
- Unemployment
- 18.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data