Rio Rico, AZ Utility & Living Guide

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Rio Rico, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Living in Rio Rico, AZ offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, with the Santa Rita Mountains providing a stunning backdrop to daily life

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
🌤️ 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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

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

Rio Rico is experiencing growth in the tech industry, with several new companies setting up operations in the area, and the local economy is also driven by agriculture and tourism. However, the area's remote location can make it challenging to attract and retain businesses

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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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