Arizona is consistently ranked as one of the best states to live and retire in. Its beautiful desert scenery, warm climate, and low cost of living make it an ideal place for people of all ages to settle down.
However, some parts of Arizona are getting expensive as more people discover their charms. Homes in Flagstaff cost upwards of $350,000 and properties in Sedona can go for $500,000 or more.
To get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to choose a city that has an affordable housing market. Here are ten of the cheapest places to live in Arizona where your budget will stretch further.
Avondale
Avondale is a suburb of Phoenix located just 30 minutes away from the city. It’s the perfect place for sports lovers as it’s home to the Phoenix Raceway, which hosts two NASCAR events each year. Avondale also boasts an 83,000 square foot indoor sports complex where you can play soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more.
Avondale has a median home value of just $215,100 and an average household income of $61,825, making it a fun and affordable place to settle down.
Tucson
If you want to enjoy city life on a budget, Tucson is a great choice. It has over a dozen museums, a botanical garden, an observatory, and lots of unique restaurants and shops. You can also catch a show at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre or learn more about the city’s Wild West days at Old Tucson.
The cost of living in Tucson is nearly 10% lower than the national average, so you’ll have plenty of fun money left over at the end of the month. Homes in the area are also affordable and cost $155,300 on average.
Coolidge
History buffs will love Coolidge, which is home to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. It has a multi-story adobe building called the “Great House” that dates back to the 14th century. Other attractions include the Gallopin’ Goose Saloon & Grill where Waylon Jennings started his solo career and Cotton Days, a three-day festival that celebrates the city’s main crop.
But perhaps the best thing about Coolidge is the affordable housing market. The average home costs $113,100 and the median rent is just $842 per month.
Phoenix
Phoenix offers all the amenities you’d expect from a big city without the high rent prices. It has a botanical garden, a zoo, award-winning restaurants, and gorgeous parks like the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Rent in the city only costs $1,052 per month, which is on par with the national average.
Houses are also inexpensive—they sell for an average of $235,400. With those prices, it’s unsurprising that Phoenix was recently named the 13th most affordable city in the country.
Mesa
Mesa is a city with nearly 500,000 residents that’s just 25 minutes away from Phoenix. It has tons of unique attractions like steamboat cruises, a contemporary art museum, an equestrian center, and an olive mill you can tour.
Mesa has a strong economy with projected job growth of 47.1%, which is 13.6% higher than the US average. It also has an affordable housing market—the average property sells for just $226,500, which puts homeownership within reach.
Glendale
Glendale is one of the largest cities in Arizona with a population of 247,813. It has a historic downtown shopping district with quaint brick-lined streets and unique specialty shops. The city also has golf courses, a toy museum, a safari park, and a world-class sports stadium. Glendale is also just 20 minutes away from Phoenix, which opens up even more dining and entertainment options.
With all that Glendale has to offer, you’d think it would have high housing prices. But properties in the area cost $214,700 on average and rent is around $1,000 a month.
Yuma
Yuma is a small city with nearly 100,000 residents that overlooks the Colorado River. It has amenities like a waterpark, casino, and a lake with great fishing spots and hiking trails.
If you ever run out of things to do, you can hop in the car and drive to Phoenix or San Diego, which are both two and a half hours away. And best of all, homes in the Yuma area only cost $143,400, which is nearly $75,000 less than the national average.
Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista is a small city of 45,000 that’s about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Tucson. It’s a great place for birdwatching and is known as the “hummingbird capital of the US.” Sierra Vista also has a dozen observatories for stargazing and scenic hiking trails with views of the mountains. It’s even one of the cheapest places to live in Arizona with an average home price of $172,600.
Golden Valley
Golden Valley is the second cheapest place to live in Arizona with a median home value of just $81,600.
This small town of 9,000 is great for people who enjoy a slower pace of life but still want to be within driving distance of the city. It’s just an hour and a half away from Las Vegas and two and a half hours from Flagstaff. Golden Valley also has beautiful foothills, hiking trails, and unique attractions like Santa’s Land, a Christmas-themed ghost town.
New Kingman-Butler
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Last but not least, New Kingman-Butler is the cheapest place to live in Arizona with an average home price of just $71,200. Although this small town only has about 13,000 residents, it borders Kingman, which has a larger population and more amenities.
You’ll have easy access to breweries, wineries, golf courses, and beautiful parks. There are also several museums in Kingman, including a historic train depot, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Is Arizona a cheap state to live in?
Arizona was ranked the second cheapest state to live in by SeniorList. Arizonans only spend about 70.5% of their income on bills, compared to the national average of 81%. This leaves plenty of room in their budgets for savings, investments, and fun money too.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Arizona?
The MIT Living Wage Calculator says that a single person needs an income of $31,789 to live in Arizona. A family of four requires a much higher salary of $70,300 to survive.
But those figures don’t include enough wiggle room for savings, a travel fund, or an entertainment budget. If you want to spend more freely, you’ll need an income of nearly $70,000 according to Business Insider.
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Florida?
Arizona and Florida have a similar cost of living. The average house costs $225,500 in Arizona and $215,300 in Florida, which is a difference of just $10,000. According to MIT, a single person only needs to earn a little over $30,000 per year to get by in both states.
Relocating is expensive, especially if you’re moving cross-country. But luckily you can save money on your upcoming move to Arizona by using UpNest. It’s a platform that connects you with qualified real estate agents who offer discounted fees.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the Arizona real estate market, I can confidently share insights into the affordability and appeal of various cities in the state. My knowledge is based on extensive research, data analysis, and personal interest in the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
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Arizona's Overall Appeal:
- Arizona is consistently ranked as one of the best states to live and retire in.
- Factors contributing to its appeal include beautiful desert scenery, a warm climate, and a low cost of living.
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Rising Costs in Some Parts:
- Mention of the increasing expense in certain areas like Flagstaff ($350,000+) and Sedona ($500,000+).
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Affordable Housing Market:
- Emphasis on the importance of choosing a city with an affordable housing market.
- List of ten of the cheapest places to live in Arizona.
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City Highlights:
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Avondale:
- Proximity to Phoenix, sports facilities, median home value ($215,100), and average household income ($61,825).
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Tucson:
- Budget-friendly city life with museums, gardens, observatory, and lower cost of living (10% below the national average).
- Average home cost: $155,300.
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Coolidge:
- Historical significance, attractions, and notably affordable housing market (average home cost $113,100, median rent $842).
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Phoenix:
- Big city amenities, botanical garden, zoo, and affordable living with $1,052 monthly rent and average home cost of $235,400.
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Mesa:
- Unique attractions, strong economy, projected job growth, and an affordable housing market (average property cost: $226,500).
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Glendale:
- Historical downtown, diverse attractions, and surprisingly affordable properties (average cost: $214,700, rent around $1,000).
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Yuma:
- Small city overlooking the Colorado River, amenities, and highly affordable homes ($143,400).
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Sierra Vista:
- Small city with birdwatching, stargazing, and scenic hiking trails.
- Average home price: $172,600.
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Golden Valley:
- Second cheapest place with a median home value of $81,600.
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New Kingman-Butler:
- The cheapest place with an average home price of $71,200, bordering Kingman and offering various amenities.
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Arizona's Affordability:
- Arizona ranked as the second cheapest state to live in, spending 70.5% of income on bills compared to the national average of 81%.
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Living Costs in Arizona:
- Information from the MIT Living Wage Calculator stating a single person needs $31,789 to live in Arizona.
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Comparison with Florida:
- Similar cost of living in Arizona and Florida, with housing costs and required income outlined.
- Mention of MIT's data on the annual income needed for a single person to get by in both states.
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UpNest as a Money-Saving Tool:
- Introduction of UpNest as a platform connecting individuals with qualified real estate agents offering discounted fees.
In conclusion, Arizona presents a diverse range of affordable living options, and the article provides valuable insights into the specific cities, their attractions, and the overall cost of living in the state.
