Flagstaff, AZ, US
Mountain town at 7,000 feet with skiing, hiking, and Lowell Observatory under dark skies.
Overview
Flagstaff is a city in AZ with a population of 76,000. Mountain town at 7,000 feet with skiing, hiking, and Lowell Observatory under dark skies. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 266 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 26.0.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Flagstaff vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.5%
- Sales Tax: 8.7%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 76,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 266/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 18°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $480,000
- 1BR Rent: $1500/mo
Cost of Living
Flagstaff's cost of living index is 108 (US average = 100).
| Category | Flagstaff | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
| Housing | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $480,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $320 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Flagstaff:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $115 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $155 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $65 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $430 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Flagstaff scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Flagstaff has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Flagstaff faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F.
Arid state with extreme drought conditions.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Active seismic region.
Flash floods.
Winter storms in mountains.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.5%
- Sales Tax: 8.7%
- Property Tax: ~0.72% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Flagstaff is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Flagstaff, AZ, US?
The cost of living index in Flagstaff is 108, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Flagstaff?
The median home price in Flagstaff is $480,000. The housing index is 125.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Flagstaff is approximately $1500/mo.
Does Flagstaff, AZ have income tax?
Flagstaff is in AZ, which has an income tax rate of 2.5%.
What is the climate like in Flagstaff?
Flagstaff enjoys approximately 266 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.