Cost of Living in Sun City, AZ
Population 38,018 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sun City skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 73. Reported household income of $52,111 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.
Located 8 miles northwest of Glendale, Sun City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Glendale's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sun City
The median home value in Sun City is $259,800 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,457/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,111/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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, Sun City has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% 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 Sun City, AZ?
Sun City has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sun City, AZ?
The median gross rent in Sun City is $1,457 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sun City?
The median home value in Sun City is $259,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sun City?
The median household income in Sun City is $52,111 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sun City, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sun City is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Sun City, AZ affordable?
Sun City is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
Sun City at a Glance
- Population
- 38,018
- Median Income
- $52,111
- Home Value
- $259,800
- Median Rent
- $1,457/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
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