Cost of Living in Flagstaff, AZ

With a cost of living index of 121, Flagstaff, AZ is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and 32% above the Arizona state average of 89. With a population of 76,333, Flagstaff is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Flagstaff's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,555 (18% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $503,400 (65% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.4x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Flagstaff is $68,041, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Flagstaff. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.8°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 31°F. Annual rainfall totals 20.5 inches spread over roughly 82 days.

Everyday prices in the Flagstaff, AZ (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.