Rio Rico, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Rio Rico, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Rio Rico may refer to:Rio Rico, Arizona, a census-designated community in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States Río Rico, Tamaulipas, a town in Mexico on territory that was part of the United States prior to a border adjustment in the 1970s

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax8.1%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Rio Rico
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Rio Rico
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Tucson Electric Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Rio Rico Water Company
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Rio Rico is relatively affordable, with a mix of new and established neighborhoods, and a growing demand for rentals. However, the area’s remote location can make it difficult to find certain amenities. Overall, Rio Rico offers a range of housing options for families and individuals

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

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 state income tax ranges from 2.59% to 4.54%, with no local income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tech, agriculture, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
water conservation, public safety, economic development
🚌 Transit for Families

Rio Rico has limited public transportation options, but the area is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a stroller, with several parks and trails that are accessible with a stroller

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
  • 🎯
    Patagonia Lake State Park
  • 🎯
    Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Rio Rico include the areas around Tubac and Patagonia, which offer a mix of affordable housing and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rio Rico Estates neighborhood is also popular, with its tree-lined streets and community park

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Rio Rico has regulations in place to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the area, including rules on water conservation and waste management

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📊 Rio Rico — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Rio Rico 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 months, utility costs are relatively low, with average electric bills decreasing by 10-20% from December to February

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 85648 has a property tax millage rate of 0.75%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, due to the area's relatively flat terrain and accessible parks and trails, but limited sidewalk infrastructure and public transportation options

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