Cost of Living in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Santa Cruz County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Santa Cruz County ranks #2,555 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Santa Cruz beats national affordability
Santa Cruz County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among the seven counties and well below national norms, delivering genuine affordability for renters. The median rent of just $781 monthly is a bargain, though the $53,614 household income reflects rural Arizona's wage reality.
Santa Cruz: Arizona's affordability champion
Santa Cruz County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is the best in the state comparison, beating Arizona's 19.4% average significantly. The $781 median rent is the lowest in the seven-county analysis, making Santa Cruz a genuine haven for rent-burdened Arizona residents.
Lowest rents in rural Arizona
Santa Cruz's $781 monthly rent undercuts Navajo County's $832 by $51 and stands nearly half Yavapai County's $1,258. Though median incomes are modest, Santa Cruz renters enjoy the state's most favorable ratio of rent-to-earnings.
Housing eats minimal income share
Santa Cruz renters pay $781 monthly while homeowners spend $955, with the $53,614 median income meaning renters devote just 17.5% to rent. This leaves significantly more breathing room in household budgets compared to state peers.
Santa Cruz for rural affordability seekers
Santa Cruz County is ideal for those prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs and don't require major metro job markets or urban amenities. Compare the $216,100 median home value and $781 rent against your current location; you may find substantial savings possible.
Cost of Living Advisory: Santa Cruz County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Santa Cruz County is affordable. The median rent is $781/month against a median household income of $53,614, putting rent at 17.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Santa Cruz County pay $781/month on average, compared to $955/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,929/year. With a median household income of $53,614, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Santa Cruz County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arizona, Santa Cruz County is less affordable than Navajo County by roughly 6% ($781/mo vs $832/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Santa Cruz County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,251
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.4%
of gross income
The median home in Santa Cruz County may be a stretch
Median home value is $216,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,725 vs. your max of $1,251.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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