Prescott, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Prescott, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Living in Prescott, AZ offers a unique blend of small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities amidst the beautiful Arizona mountains

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$268/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax8.1%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Prescott
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$128/mo

Arizona Public Service (APS)
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Prescott Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $268/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Prescott is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has seen steady growth in recent years, with new developments and renovations popping up around town. However, the market can be competitive, especially for buyers looking for homes in the lower price ranges

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

96

Transportation

88

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8.1%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 5.6% + County 0.5% + City 2%</p>

Arizona has a state income tax with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal leanings
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Water conservation, traffic management, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

The city has a relatively walkable downtown area, but public transit options are limited, making it challenging for families with strollers to get around without a car

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Prescott National Forest
  • 🎯
    Watson Lake
  • 🎯
    Smoki Museum of Art

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Prescott Heights and Miller Valley, are popular with families due to their proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities. The area around Watson Lake is also a favorite among families, with its scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Prescott based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

The city has regulations in place regarding zoning, building codes, and environmental protection

Prescott's economy is growing, driven by industries such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The city is also seeing an increase in remote workers and entrepreneurs, drawn by its high quality of life and relatively low cost of living

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📊 Prescott — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Prescott tend to be higher in the summer months due to the need for air conditioning, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In the winter, costs are relatively stable, with some residents using propane or natural gas for heating, but overall energy consumption remains moderate

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 0.5 to 1.2%, with some local surtaxes applying to specific areas, such as the Prescott Unified School District

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: while the city has some sidewalks and parks, they can be uneven and lacking in accessibility features, making it challenging for families with strollers to navigate, especially in areas with heavy traffic or limited pedestrian infrastructure

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