Cost of Living in Sun Lakes, AZ
Population 14,079 · Arizona · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 73, Sun Lakes functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $426,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. Rental affordability is stretched — $1,875/month works out to about 35% of median household income, above the 30% "cost-burdened" line.
Geographically, Sun Lakes sits roughly 5 miles south of Chandler. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Chandler's $470,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sun Lakes
The median home value in Sun Lakes is $425,500 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,875/month, 43% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,545/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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 Lakes has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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 Lakes, AZ?
Sun Lakes has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sun Lakes, AZ?
The median gross rent in Sun Lakes is $1,875 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sun Lakes?
The median home value in Sun Lakes is $425,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Sun Lakes?
The median household income in Sun Lakes is $63,545 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sun Lakes, AZ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sun Lakes is 8.4%. The Arizona state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Sun Lakes, AZ affordable?
Sun Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.
Sun Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 14,079
- Median Income
- $63,545
- Home Value
- $425,500
- Median Rent
- $1,875/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arizona Rankings
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