Nestled in the breathtaking Red Rock country of Arizona’s high desert, surrounded by spectacular sceneries, and blessed with a mild climate year-round, there’s so much to look forward to for anyone considering moving to Sedona, AZ.
If you are planning to move to this city, one of the things you need to know is its cost of living. Simply put, the cost of living is the amount of money necessary to cover one’s basic expenses in a particular location and time period. This includes housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Before relocating to a new city, it will benefit you to check the cost of living in this location and compare it with that of your current residence. This will help you determine whether Sedona is more affordable or more expensive than your present location.
| COL Indexes | Sedona, AZ | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 142 | 100 |
| Housing | 218.3 | 100 |
| Food & Groceries | 104.6 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 81.4 | 100 |
| Health | 129.5 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 97 | 100 |
The table above shows the cost-of-living indexes for Sedona to give you an idea of how expensive or affordable the basic expenses in this location are relative to the rest of the country.
A cost-of-living index is particularly helpful if you are considering moving to Sedona, AZ, and you want to see if living in this city would be favorable for you and your family, given your projected income.
It is important to note that the indexes are based on a national average of 100. So, for example, if the COL index of housing in Sedona is 218.3, then it is 118.3% higher than the national average.
Cost of Housing
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As you have seen from the cost-of-living index table provided above, housing costs are significantly higher in Sedona compared to the national average.
On average, a family with children spends around $29,251 in housing expenses annually (rent/mortgage included), while single individuals are estimated to spend $17,124.
For homebuyers, the prices of properties in the area range from $400,000 to over $16.5 million. As of December 2023, the average value of homes in Sedona is $889,435.
For those who prefer to rent, the table below shows a breakdown of the average rent in Sedona, AZ, for apartments and condos based on bedroom count.
| No. of Bedrooms | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,730.00 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,283.00 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,180.00 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,470.00 |
| Studio | $1,828.00 |
Utilities
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The COL index for utilities in Sedona is 103.6, just 3.6% higher than the national average. A person living alone spends an average of $2,634 annually on utility bills. Families with children have an average yearly utility expenditure of $4,395.
Essential utilities include electricity, water, gas, cable, and internet. The average bill for each of these utilities is provided below so you can compare these amounts to your current utility bill.
| Utility | Average Bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $202.00 |
| Gas | $116.00 |
| Cable & Internet | $170.00 |
| Water | $64.00 |
Transportation
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With a COL index of 81.4, transportation costs in Sedona are 18.6% lower compared to the national average. Families with children can expect to spend around $17,206 on transportation annually, while the average yearly total for individuals is $7,921.
Verde Shuttle is the leading transportation service to get around the downtown area of Sedona, where you can ride a bus from West Sedona, Uptown Sedona, and northern portions of SR 179 to Cottonwood.
The rates for access passes and fares for Verde Shuttle and CAT transportation are provided below.
| Type | Regular | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way | $2.00 | $1.00 |
| Trips Within Sedona | $1.00 | $0.50 |
| Monthly Pass | $60.00 | $30.00 |
| All-Access Day Pass | $6.00 | $3.00 |
| All-Access Monthly Pass | $70.00 | $35.00 |
Owning a car is another mode of transportation that allows greater flexibility to explore and enjoy the city. The average price of gasoline in Sedona is $3.54 per gallon.
Groceries and Food
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The cost of food and groceries in Sedona is slightly higher than the national average, at a COL index of 104.6. The average annual expenditure for this basic expense is $6,455 for single individuals; and $13,082 for those married with children.
Below, you’ll see some of the common grocery items and the average price range of each to give you an idea how much you’ll need to budget if you move to Sedona. The average restaurant bill for a mid-range establishment and fast food place are also provided in the table.
| Grocery Products / Type of Dining / Other Items | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dinner at a Mid-Range Restaurant | $45.00 |
| Fast Food Restaurants | $6.00 |
| Rice | $3.00 to $20.00 |
| Bakery Products | $5.00 to $13.00 |
| Dairy Products | $3.00 to $13.00 |
| A Dozen Eggs | $2.48 |
| Fresh Prepared Foods | $2.00 to $11.00 |
| Fruits and Vegetables | $0.19 to $10.00 |
| Meat and Seafood | $3.00 to $50.00 |
| Pantry Items | $2.00 to $21.00 |
| Beverages | $3.00 to 20.00 |
| Toiletries | $2.00 to $40.00 |
Healthcare
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Healthcare is another important factor contributing to the cost of living in Sedona, AZ. The city’s COL index for healthcare is 97, 3% lower than the national average, making it an attractive place to live for retirees, parents of young children, and those who require regular medical appointments and treatments.
A single adult without children can expect to spend around $3,157 yearly for healthcare, while families with children spend an average of $5,642.
| Health Care | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor’s Visit | $130.41 |
| Dentist Visit | $112.51 |
| Optometrist Visit | $122.84 |
| Rx Drug | $480.48 |
| Veterinarian Visit | $66.20 |
Entertainment and Leisure
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Sedona, AZ, offers a plethora of choices for leisure and entertainment. Your budget for this particular expense will depend on what your interests are and how often you engage in certain activities.
The beautiful landscape creates such an inviting atmosphere to go outdoors and spend time alone in a peaceful retreat or enjoy recreational activities with your family and friends.
Have a relaxing stroll, a nice picnic, or engage in fun activities and events in these parks:
These popular trails provide a great venue for hiking and mountain biking for all skill levels:
Other outdoor activities Sedona residents enjoy include hitting the trails on ATVs, water activities, and scaling the world-famous red rocks.
You should have around $120 to $300 to pay for passes or rentals. Access to parks and trails, on the other hand, is free.
For indoor entertainment, Sedona has casinos and gaming, nightclubs, live music, and theaters.
If you are into working out and enjoy group fitness classes, Sedona has several health club options for you. The average monthly rate for fitness club membership is $36.
Taxes and Financial Considerations
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All taxpayers in Arizona pay a flat income tax rate of 2.5% beginning tax year 2023. Flat taxes simplify calculating state tax liability since all taxpayers pay the same rate, regardless of income level.
The state’s property taxes are relatively low, with a median property tax of 0.51%, well below the national average of 0.99%. This translates into around $1,707 annually, which is $1,088 lower than nationwide rates.
However, sales taxes are fairly high in Arizona. The state charges a 5.6% sales tax rate, while the city of Sedona imposes a minimum of 9.85% sales tax.
Aside from taxes, there are other financial considerations, such as emergency funds and debt payments, especially if you just bought a new property in the city or have a student loan.
Cost of Living Comparison
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Sedona vs Winslow
Overall, the cost of living in Sedona is much higher when compared to Winslow. The higher cost of living in Sedona could be attributed to high housing prices, amenities, and overall economic conditions of the city.
Below is a comprehensive comparison of the cost index between two cities in Arizona.
Sedona vs Arizona
The state of Arizona has an overall lower cost of living compared to Sedona. This means that the cost of living in other cities in Arizona is relatively more affordable when compared specifically to Sedona.
Here’s a helpful comparison of the cost of living index between Arizona and Sedona, AZ.
Final Thoughts
Living in Sedona, AZ truly comes with perks that invite many to make it their home. However, it comes with a high cost of living that should be considered and understood as you plan to move to this beautiful city.
Many factors contribute to Sedona’s cost of living, including housing, utility, food, transportation, healthcare, taxes, entertainment, and other financial considerations.
Knowing these factors will help you understand and carefully plan various expenses for a comfortable and financially sustainable lifestyle.
If you have a question or need assistance navigating the cost of living in Sedona, AZ. Please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. You can reach us by calling 928-963-4855 or emailing us at victoria@sedonaluxuryhomes.com.
Our team will gladly respond and help you with any questions regarding homes for sale in Sedona or if you want to learn more about the neighborhoods in the area!
To be updated with the latest events and news about Sedona, AZ, we invite you to follow us on our social media:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sedona a unique place to live?
Sedona is known for its majestic red rock scenery, evergreen vegetation, and outdoor activities that invite many vacationers and even homebuyers throughout the year.
But what makes the city unique and appealing is the numerous energy vortexes that are perfect spots for healing and meditation.
How do taxes in Sedona compare to the national average?
Sedona’s income tax rate and property tax are slightly lower than the national average. However, the sales tax is relatively high, with a minimum rate of 9.85%.
How does Sedona’s cost of living compare to other cities?
Sedona’s cost of living, including housing, utility, transportation, food, and health costs, is much higher when compared to other cities in Arizona.
Are there affordable housing options in Sedona?
Affordable housing can vary per person, but Sedona does have affordable housing options that cater to different budgets. You can find apartments, condos, or single-family homes that cost below $400,000. There are some rental options as well that offer very affordable rental rates.
Is Sedona a good place for remote work?
Sedona’s inviting natural beauty and peaceful environment make it an excellent place to live and work. Additionally, the city has been stable over the past year, creating many job and employment opportunities.
When planning to move to Sedona, make sure to do some research first about the employment availability of your career choice and consider other factors like internet speed.
