Cottonwood, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Cottonwood, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$258/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax8.1%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cottonwood
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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

$42/mo

City of Cottonwood
🗑️ Garbage

$28/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$258/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.81%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Cottonwood is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. However, prices have been rising in recent years due to the area’s growing popularity. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in certain areas of town.

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 Rate0.81%
<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

6.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Cottonwood has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Verde Canyon Railroad
  • 🎯
    Blazin' M Ranch
  • 🎯
    Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Cottonwood include the downtown area, which offers a mix of older and newer homes, as well as the newer developments on the outskirts of town, which often feature amenities like parks and playgrounds. However, some areas of town may have limited amenities and services.

Household Budget Calculator

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

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📊 Cottonwood — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cottonwood 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 contrast, winter months tend to be milder, with lower utility bills from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 86326 has a property tax millage rate of 0.81%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Cottonwood has relatively good sidewalk quality and park access, but elevator access in transit is limited, and family infrastructure could be improved in some areas

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