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Buckeye, AZ vs Sun City, AZ

121
Buckeye
Arizona
VS
+18.4%
102
Sun City
Arizona

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sun City is 18.4% cheaper than Buckeye. With a cost index of 102 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sun City to Buckeye should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buckeye is $1,742/month compared to $1,457/month in Sun City — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sun City is more affordable at $259,800 median vs $384,100.

Median household income in Buckeye is $98,778 compared to $52,111 in Sun City (+89.6%). While Buckeye is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buckeye spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 33.6% in Sun City. The Buckeye ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Buckeye
121
Sun City
102
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Buckeye
$98,778
47% higher
Sun City
$52,111

Housing

Median Rent
Buckeye
$1,742
Sun City
$1,457
16% cheaper
Median Home Value
Buckeye
$384,100
Sun City
$259,800
32% cheaper
Population
Buckeye
99,844
Sun City
38,018

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Buckeye $1,556
Sun City $1,556
1 Bed
Buckeye $1,692
Sun City $1,692
2 Bed
Buckeye $1,971
Sun City $1,971
3 Bed
Buckeye $2,634
Sun City $2,634
4 Bed
Buckeye $2,937
Sun City $2,937

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Buckeye $3.02
Sun City $3.02
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Buckeye $2.46
Sun City $2.46
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Buckeye $3.96
Sun City $3.96
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Buckeye $1.82
Sun City $1.82
US $1.85
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Chicken breast
Buckeye $4.08
Sun City $4.08
US $4.14
Electricity
Buckeye $0.16
Sun City $0.16
US $0.19