Cost of Living in San Carlos, AZ

With a cost of living index of 51, San Carlos, AZ is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 49% cheaper than the national average and 38% below the Arizona state average of 89. San Carlos is a small community of 4,769 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in San Carlos's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $397 (70% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $67,700 (78% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in San Carlos is $50,814, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 9% 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.