Arizona · WestHigh-Cost MetroUpdated March 2026

Cost of Living in Sedona, AZ

Detailed cost data for 38 topics across 6 categories — from rent and groceries to business startup costs and professional salaries.

Cost Index
140
40% above national average
100 = national baseline
10K
Population
$62K
Median Income
$2,856/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$5,247/mo
Living Cost (Single)
✍️ Reviewed by Marcus Rivera, Urban Economics Researcher📅 Last verified: March 2026
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Cost of Living in Sedona: The Full Picture

How does Sedona compare to the rest of America? With a population of 10,000 and an economy built on an innovation economy where venture capital and startup culture push costs into the stratosphere, this AZ smaller city has a cost profile that's distinctly its own. Farm-to-table dining, yoga studios on every corner, and a wellness culture that adds 10% to the grocery bill. The 38 categories below translate these broad dynamics into specific dollar figures you can plan around.

D
Overall
F
Housing
D
Food
C
Healthcare
D
Transport
D
Utilities
💼 Economy

Sedona has a lifestyle-premium market where people pay extra for sunshine, mountains, and Pacific air

🏠 Housing

The housing market features a seller's market where bidding wars are the norm, not the exception

🌤️ Climate & Lifestyle

Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Farm-to-table dining, yoga studios on every corner, and a wellness culture that adds 10% to the grocery bill..

💡 The Bottom Line

With a cost index of 140, Sedona is one of the priciest metros in the country. You'll need above-average income just to maintain a standard lifestyle — but the job market and cultural offerings often justify the premium.

💰 Purchasing Power in Sedona

$50K salary
≈ $36K
-$14K real value
$75K salary
≈ $54K
-$21K real value
$100K salary
≈ $71K
-$29K real value
$150K salary
≈ $107K
-$43K real value

Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Sedona, your dollar buys 29% less than the national average.

📊 Closest to National Average

Sedona is above average in most categories. These cost the least above baseline:

Monthly Living Expenses in Sedona

What it actually costs to live in Sedona each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.

LifestyleSingle PersonCoupleFamily of 4
🟡Tight / Frugal$3,100/mo$5,300/mo$7,000/mo
🟢Comfortable$4,900/mo$8,100/mo$10,500/mo
🟣Generous$7,700/mo$12,600/mo$16,800/mo

Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Sedona's cost index of 140 applied to national spending surveys.

🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation

Within Sedona, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs offer some relief — though even outer neighborhoods here run above many cities' averages.

Sedona vs U.S. Average Cost of Living

Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.

Grades: A+/A = very affordable · B = average · C/D = expensive · For salaries, higher = better

🏠 Home Services in Sedona

What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels

💼 Business Startup Costs in Sedona

Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital

📊 Cost of Living in Sedona

Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities

🛡️ Insurance in Sedona

Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories

💰 Salaries & Jobs in Sedona

Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization

How Much Income Do You Need in Sedona?

✅ Best For

  • High earners seeking career growth
  • Professionals in specialized fields
  • Those willing to trade cost for opportunity
  • Outdoor enthusiasts

⚠️ Not Ideal For

  • Budget-conscious retirees
  • Large families on a single income
  • Entry-level workers without savings
💬 Expert Tip

Before moving to Sedona, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. A higher gross salary doesn't always mean more spending power here.

How Does Sedona Compare?

Pick a nearby city and see the full cost comparison across all 38 topics.

CostOfCity Value Index

F
Sedona Value Score: 4/100
Expensive
Affordability Ratio
2.69x
Stretched
Savings Potential
0%
of median income
Value Score
0/100
income-adjusted
Growth Risk
100/100
Costs rising fast

The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.

📦

Free Relocation Blueprint

Your complete moving budget for Sedona, AZ

Monthly Budget
$4,693
Moving Costs
$4,500 – $8,000
Deposits Est.
$7,140
Cost Index
140

Get a personalized PDF with first-month costs, 12-month cash projection, neighborhood tips, and a moving checklist — tailored to your household size and origin city.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sedona

What is the median household income in Sedona?

The median household income in Sedona is approximately $62,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 140), this may stretch less than the raw number suggests.

Is Sedona a good place to start a business?

Sedona's business environment is shaped by AZ's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Higher operating costs require stronger revenue projections, but the market also tends to support higher price points. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.

Is Sedona, AZ expensive to live in?

Sedona's cost of living index is 140, which is 40% above the national average of 100. This makes Sedona one of the more expensive cities in the US.

Explore Sedona in Depth

🏠 Living Alone
Solo budget breakdown for Sedona
💰 Salary Needed
Minimum salary to live in Sedona
📊 Can I Afford It?
Budget check for Sedona
📋 Monthly Budget
Full monthly breakdown
🔄 Cheaper Alternatives
Cities like Sedona but cheaper
🗺️ Arizona Overview
Compare all cities in Arizona

Nearby Cities to Compare

💡 Affordable Alternative: Glendale (95 miles away) is 31% cheaper than Sedona. Same region, significantly lower costs. Compare them →