Cost of Living in Sun City West, AZ
Population 27,003 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sun City West skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 75. Reported household income of $63,792 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.
Sun City West sits roughly 5 miles east of Surprise — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Surprise's $396,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sun City West
The median home value in Sun City West is $350,500 — 15% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,658/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,792/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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, Sun City West has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sun City West, AZ?
Sun City West has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sun City West, AZ?
The median gross rent in Sun City West is $1,658 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sun City West?
The median home value in Sun City West is $350,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sun City West?
The median household income in Sun City West is $63,792 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sun City West, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sun City West is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Sun City West, AZ affordable?
Sun City West is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
Sun City West at a Glance
- Population
- 27,003
- Median Income
- $63,792
- Home Value
- $350,500
- Median Rent
- $1,658/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
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