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MarketsArizonaShow LowCost of Living & Affordability

Cost of Living & Affordability: Show Low, AZ

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Show Low, AZ

Cap Rate
3.74%
Median Price
$390K
Rent/Mo
$1,770
1% Rule
0.45%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Show Low's price-to-income ratio is 5.8x — homes cost 5.8 times the local median household income of $66,955. Housing is stretched relative to local incomes. Many workers are effectively priced out of buying, creating deep rental demand. This is favorable for landlords but also means your tenants may be more cost-sensitive.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Show Low (20% down at 7%) is approximately $2,594/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $2,929. The median rent of $1,770/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Show Low is $66,955, with a population of 50,000 growing at 1.6% per year. Show Low is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions. Moderate population growth indicates a stable economic foundation.

What This Means for Investors

The stretched affordability means strong rental demand, but tight margins require precision. Target below-median prices where rents are still strong, or use value-add strategies to force equity and improve cash flow.

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How Show Low Compares

Show Low vs Arizona state average and national average across key investment metrics. Show Low's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Show Low
Arizona Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.74%
3.49%
3.81%
Median Price
$390K
$406K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,770
$1,709
$1,524
Property Tax
0.63%
0.63%
1.08%
Vacancy
5%
5%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
1.6%/yr
1.6%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby West Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Show Low, AZ
3.7%
$390K
$1,770
0.63%
The Dalles, OR
3.0%
$390K
$1,630
0.94%
Chico, CA
3.1%
$395K
$1,600
0.75%
Sonora, CA
2.8%
$385K
$1,460
0.75%
Cheyenne, WY
3.1%
$380K
$1,500
0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Show Low affordable for renters?
Renters in Show Low spend approximately 32% of median household income on rent. This exceeds the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs are stretched relative to local incomes. The median household income is $66,955, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Show Low?
Show Low's price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, meaning homes cost 5.8 times the local median income. This is moderate — some residents can buy, many choose to rent.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Show Low?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $390K home is approximately $2,075/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $2,410/mo. The median rent of $1,770/mo is less than the cost of buying — this gap supports continued rental demand.
How does Show Low's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Show Low ($390K) are 17% above the national average. Rents ($1,770/mo) are 16% above average. Property taxes (0.63%) are below the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Show Low & Related Markets

More Show Low Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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