B
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Sierra Vista Arizona National
Cost of living103101100
Goods & Services109104100
Groceries105102100
Health care9094100
Housing9797100
Transportation108106100
Utilities10295100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sierra Vista, AZ

Understanding the cost of living in Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista cost of living index is 103, which is 3% 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.

The cost of living in Sierra Vista closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Sierra Vista can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Sierra Vista?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 16 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Sierra Vista. The results indicated that 50% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 50% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Sierra Vista Affordable?

Is Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista is 5.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sierra Vista has a median household income of $59,585, which is 7.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sierra Vista?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Sierra Vista, the healthcare costs are 10.2% 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 Sierra Vista, 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 in Sierra Vista, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sierra Vista is 3% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Sierra Vista is 3% higher than the national average
  • Sierra Vista housing is 3% 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 Sierra Vista

See all the best places to live around Sierra Vista

Compare Sierra Vista, 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$74,830$6,236$1,746$2,245
      Renters$43,002$3,584$1,003$1,290
      The affordability of the housing market in Sierra Vista, AZ as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Sierra Vista homeowners, the median income is $74,830. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,746 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $43,002. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,003 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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 Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      Haircut $29.15$24.2620.2%
      Beauty Salon $45.06$45.561.1%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.8%
      Shampoo $1.33$1.284.1%
      Movie $12.36$12.131.9%
      Bowling $13.68$18.0024.0%

      Groceries

      Item Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.07$5.844.0%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.3%
      Milk $4.75$4.671.7%
      Potatoes $4.58$4.937.1%
      Pizza $12.52$12.093.6%
      Beer $11.13$10.416.9%

      Health Care

      Item Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $116.73$125.687.1%
      Doctor $125.31$135.787.7%
      Dentist $101.61$113.2910.3%
      Ibuprofen $11.03$10.653.6%
      Lipitor $370.51$468.6020.9%

      Housing

      Item Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      Home Price $174,100.00$184,700.005.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,328.25$2,346.690.8%
      Apartment Rent $977.00$949.003.0%

      Transportation

      Item Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.05$3.4617.0%
      Tire Balancing $52.24$59.9212.8%

      Utilities

      Item Sierra Vista National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $198.69$193.992.4%
      Phone $193.20$192.250.5%
      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.
      Huachuca City, AZ1,954918.9%
      Miracle Valley, AZ741928.0%
      Tombstone, AZ1,205954.8%
      Whetstone, AZ2,995991.1%
      Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ16,1521043.8%
      Sierra Vista, AZ43,7561033.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lombard, IL43,75511716.8%
      The Colony, TX43,79112019.5%
      Riverton, UT43,79312928.7%
      Altoona, PA43,6698812.2%
      Urbandale, IA43,8791022.2%
      Sierra Vista, AZ43,7561033.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.