Cost of living in Prescott, AZ vs. where you live now
For most people relocating to Prescott, the biggest savings are property tax (Yavapai County's median effective rate is about 0.46%) and, for retirees, state income tax: Arizona doesn't tax Social Security and taxes pensions and IRA withdrawals at a flat 2.5%. How much you save depends on where you're coming from. Compare below.
Prescott vs. California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado & Illinois
Pensions, IRA and 401(k) withdrawals. Leave out Social Security; Arizona doesn't tax it.
Add your actual bill for a truer comparison, especially if you've owned a long time (hello, Prop 13).
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For illustration only, not tax advice. It assumes age 65+ and that your income is pension/IRA withdrawals, and uses approximate 2024–2026 state rules and standard deductions plus median effective property tax rates (Ownwell, 2025–26); Prescott uses Yavapai County's ~0.46%. It leaves out credits, local add-ons and your specific situation. Please confirm with your CPA.
Moving to Prescott from…
Moving from California
Most Californians relocating to Prescott are trading traffic and high costs for four mild seasons, more land and a slower pace.
Read the guide → From Seattle & the Pacific NorthwestMoving from Washington
People moving from Washington to Prescott usually come for the sunshine.
Read the guide → From Portland & the Willamette ValleyMoving from Oregon
For many retirees, moving from Oregon to Prescott lowers taxes significantly.
Read the guide → From Denver & the Front RangeMoving from Colorado
Coloradans moving to Prescott get a familiar mountain-town lifestyle (Prescott sits about a mile high) with much milder winters and less snow.
Read the guide → From Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee & moreMoving from the Midwest
Midwest retirees moving to Prescott usually come for two reasons: winters and property taxes.
Read the guide →Prescott home prices, September 2026
Prescott
Prescott Valley
Chino Valley
All PAAR areas
Source: Prescott Area Association of Realtors (PAAR) monthly statistics for September 2026, released October 9, 2026 (via Signals AZ). Medians include all price points, so luxury homes typically sit well above them. Updated monthly.
Healthcare in Prescott
Dignity Health · Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Prescott's regional hospital (West Campus) and East Campus in Prescott Valley.
Bob Stump VA Medical Center
Main campus of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, with a 24/7 emergency department.
Phoenix's major medical centers, the airport and a weekend in Scottsdale are all about an hour and 45 minutes away.
Cost of living in Prescott: quick answers
Is Prescott cheaper than California?
For most California buyers, yes. Home prices are typically lower than coastal Southern California, Arizona's income tax is a flat 2.5% (vs. up to 13.3% in California), and property tax rates are lower.
What is the property tax rate in Prescott, AZ?
Yavapai County's median effective property tax rate is about 0.46% of a home's value, well below the national median of about 1%.
Does Arizona tax retirement income?
Arizona doesn't tax Social Security. Pensions and IRA/401(k) withdrawals are taxed at a flat 2.5%.
What is the median home price in Prescott?
According to the Prescott Area Association of Realtors, the median sold price in Prescott was $589,950 in September 2026, with a median of 51 days on market.
