Arizona · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Sierra Vista, AZ

The median household in Sierra Vista, AZ earns $70,291 a year ($5,858/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,257/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $50,280 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 10.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$70,291$5,858 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,257HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)89.2-10.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential AZ
Census Population45,155Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Sierra Vista, AZ

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,257Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$50,280To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,757At 30% of $70,291
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Sierra Vista, AZ

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Sierra Vista, AZ
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$887$10,644$35,48015.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,111$13,332$44,44019%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,257$15,084$50,28021.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,748$20,976$69,92029.8%
4-Bedroom Home$2,109$25,308$84,36036%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Sierra Vista, AZ →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Sierra Vista, AZ

Based on the local median household income of $70,291/year ($5,858/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,929/moRent ($1,257 2-BR), utilities (~$137/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,757/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 89.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,172/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Arizona

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Arizona state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$70,291
$25,000$145,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$70,291
Net 81%
Fed 9%
AZ 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$56,916After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,743Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,189Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$6,634 / yr
Arizona state income tax$1,364 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,377 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Arizona with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Sierra Vista, AZ

What is the median household income in Sierra Vista, AZ?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Sierra Vista, AZ is $70,291 per year (approximately $5,858 per month).

What is the average rent in Sierra Vista, AZ?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Sierra Vista, AZ are $887 for a studio, $1,111 for 1 bedroom, $1,257 for 2 bedrooms, $1,748 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,109 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Sierra Vista, AZ compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Sierra Vista, AZ is 89.2 (10.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Sierra Vista, AZ?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,257/month) in Sierra Vista, AZ requires a minimum gross household income of $50,280 per year ($4,190 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Sierra Vista, AZ?

For a typical household earning the median income of $70,291/year ($5,858/month) in Sierra Vista, AZ, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,929/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,757/month to discretionary spending, and $1,172/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Sierra Vista, AZ?

Residential electricity rates in Arizona average 15.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $137 per month.