Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Cost of Living & Economic Score

Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metropolitan statistical area.

C
InflationRank Score
73 / 100
Costlier than the U.S. average; moderate income offset.
Metro cost level (RPP)
101.0
1% above U.S. (100)
Cost burden
73
0–100 (higher = cheaper)
Income resilience
67
state-level proxy
State context
Arizona →
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Cost of living in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metropolitan area run 1.0% above the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 101.0 on a base of 100). That puts Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.

For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Arizona household — see the Arizona state report.

Other Arizona metros

Compare to similar-cost metros

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX · RPP 101.0 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL · RPP 101.0 Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN · RPP 101.0 Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ · RPP 101.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ?

The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 101.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 1.0% above the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Is Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale an affordable place to live?

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ has an InflationRank score of 73/100 (grade C), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 101.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.

How does Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale compare to other cities for cost of living?

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 101.0 (U.S.=100), 1.0% above the national average. Similar-cost metros include Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (RPP 101.0), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL (RPP 101.0).

About the InflationRank Score

The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.

Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →