A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
31%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index San Luis Arizona National
Cost of living101101100
Goods & Services113104100
Groceries116102100
Health care10594100
Housing6997100
Transportation127106100
Utilities10795100

An Overview of Cost of Living in San Luis, AZ

Understanding the cost of living in San Luis can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The San Luis cost of living index is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In San Luis, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in San Luis will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

The things you purchase regularly, like clothes, haircuts, movie tickets and gym memberships, can make a big dent in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. Unfortunately in San Luis, these items will cost you 12.6% more than what's considered the norm, making it a more expensive place to call home.

The surge in grocery costs is indeed alarming, especially when groceries make up a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Over the past two years, there has been an inflation of over 10% in grocery prices. Unfortunately, San Luis does not fare better, with grocery expenses coming in at 15.6% higher than the national average.

Is San Luis Affordable?

Is San Luis an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in San Luis is 30.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. San Luis has a median household income of $41,648, which is 24.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in San Luis?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In San Luis, the utilities index registers 7.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in San Luis, is 30.8% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In San Luis, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and the income tax rates commence at 2.55%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in San Luis displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in San Luis is equal to the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in San Luis is 1% higher than the national average
  • San Luis housing is 31% lower than the national average
  • Arizona general sales tax is 10% higher than the national average
  • Arizona state income tax is 4% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around San Luis

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Compare San Luis, AZ Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$49,670$4,139$1,159$1,490
      Renters$28,072$2,339$655$842
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in San Luis, AZ, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in San Luis have a median income of $49,670. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,159 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $28,072, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $655.

      Arizona Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arizona 5.6% 10.725%

      Arizona Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arizona 2.5% 2.5%

      Goods & Services

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.92$24.2610.9%
      Beauty Salon $65.77$45.5644.3%
      Toothpaste $3.73$3.700.7%
      Shampoo $1.50$1.2817.1%
      Movie $16.89$12.1339.2%
      Bowling $24.67$18.0037.1%

      Groceries

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.47$5.846.3%
      Fried Chicken $3.05$1.5793.7%
      Milk $4.98$4.676.5%
      Potatoes $4.94$4.930.0%
      Pizza $14.69$12.0921.5%
      Beer $11.25$10.418.1%

      Health Care

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $138.66$125.6810.3%
      Doctor $132.50$135.782.4%
      Dentist $121.37$113.297.1%
      Ibuprofen $12.01$10.6512.7%
      Lipitor $508.17$468.608.4%

      Housing

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      Home Price $128,500.00$184,700.0030.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $5,168.91$2,346.69120.3%
      Apartment Rent $649.00$949.0031.6%

      Transportation

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.68$3.4635.1%
      Tire Balancing $64.40$59.927.5%

      Utilities

      Item San Luis National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $223.42$193.9915.2%
      Phone $180.31$192.256.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Padre Ranchitos, AZ511011.1%
      Rancho Mesa Verde, AZ8618416.4%
      Drysdale, AZ3898515.4%
      Gadsden, AZ8739010.2%
      Wall Lane, AZ411919.3%
      San Luis, AZ33,8751010.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cottonwood Heights, UT33,86513030.1%
      Glendale Heights, IL33,8631088.3%
      Chester, PA33,8558910.6%
      Golden Glades, FL33,84311313.2%
      LaSalle, ON33,838n/a 
      San Luis, AZ33,8751010.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.