Cost of Living in Rio Rico, AZ

With a cost of living index of 83, Rio Rico, AZ is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 6% below the Arizona state average of 89. Rio Rico is a smaller community of 21,798 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Rio Rico's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,049 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $212,600 (30% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Rio Rico is $63,692, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.