The Real Income on $100k in Flagstaff, AZ: A Tax & Budget Breakdown

Flagstaff sells a lifestyle: pine-scented air, access to the Grand Canyon, and a break from the relentless heat of the Valley. But the "mile-high" city comes with a price tag that often surprises transplants.

Does a six-figure salary actually buy you freedom here, or are you just comfortably broke? We crunched the numbers on a $100,000 salary to find out.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s strip away the fantasy and look at the math. When you sign an employment contract for a "six-figure" salary in Arizona, you are agreeing to a gross number. The government takes its share first.

Here is the reality of the "Sticker Price" versus your actual spending power:

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• Arizona State Tax: -$2,500
• Local Tax: $0
• Total Deductions: -$23,764
• Net Take-Home Pay: $76,236

The Analysis:
You lose 23.8% of your income to taxes immediately. That is the reality of the "Verification Test." While Arizona doesn't hit as hard as New York or California, the combination of Federal and FICA taxes is a massive financial drag.

Your monthly paycheck is not $8,333. It is $6,353.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

Using the standard 50/30/20 budgeting rule, we can dissect that $6,353 monthly net to see how it holds up against Flagstaff's specific cost of living.

Needs ($3,176): The Rent Trap

This category covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance. In Flagstaff, this is a tight squeeze.

The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Flagstaff hovers between $1,500 and $1,800. If you secure a unit for $1,600, you are left with $1,576 for utilities (high in winter), car insurance (Arizona rates are rising), and groceries. You can survive here, but you will be budget-conscious. You aren't living in luxury; you are maintaining.

Wants ($1,906): The Lifestyle Tax

This is your dining out, the season pass to Arizona Snowbowl, and the Netflix subscription. With nearly $2k to spare, a single person can enjoy the Flagstaff social scene. However, this money evaporates fast if you have a car payment on a newer vehicle or a pricey gym membership.

Savings ($1,271): The Wealth Builder

This is the most critical number. Saving $1,271 a month is a strong performance. This is roughly 15% of your gross income.

If you invest this aggressively, you are building a real future. But notice the trade-off: To hit this savings rate, you are likely living in a modest apartment rather than a house. You are trading space and equity now for liquidity later.

Flagstaff Taxes vs The Competition

How does Flagstaff’s tax burden compare to other major hubs?

• Vs. New York City: In NYC, a $100k salary faces a "tax sandwich" of Federal, FICA, State, and City taxes. Your take-home would drop to roughly $67,000. Flagstaff leaves you with $9,000 more in your pocket annually.
• Vs. Austin, Texas: Texas has no state income tax. On $100k, your take-home in Austin is roughly $77,500. The difference is negligible ($1,200/year).

The Verdict: Flagstaff is not a "tax haven," but it is fair. You pay state tax, but you aren't punished for earning a living like you are in the Northeast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Flagstaff?
A: There is no local income tax in Flagstaff. However, you are subject to Arizona State Income Tax. At a $100,000 salary, the effective state tax rate is roughly 2.5%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Flagstaff?
A: Yes, it is a "good" salary that affords a comfortable life for a single person or a couple, but it will not make you feel "rich." Due to high housing costs (driven by limited supply and university demand) and the lack of state tax savings, your purchasing power is similar to earning $90k in a tax-free state like Texas. You will live well, but you must budget to buy a home.

Q: Does Flagstaff have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, there is no additional local income tax levied by the City of Flagstaff.

Disclaimer: This analysis utilizes IRS 2026 projections for standard deduction and tax brackets for a single filer. Salary data is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) averages. State tax figures are derived from Arizona Department of Revenue 2024 schedules.