Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona: 2024-2025

Sunshine, affordable living, favorable tax incentives, and gorgeous surroundings. It’s easy to see why Arizona is proving such a desirable state to live. But which cities are the cheapest places to live in Arizona? Here are several affordable Arizona cities and some real hidden gems for those looking for cost-effective Arizona living tips.

Why is Arizona Cost of Living so Favorable?

You don’t need to be an accountant to see that prices have been rising extremely rapidly over the last two years. This has resulted in the cost of living in the USA becoming more expensive than ever. How do we know this? By looking at the cost-of-living index.

The cost-of-living index is basically an index which calculates the average cost of living in different regions. It calculates the differences in price of services and goods, and basically tracks how much everyday expenses are rising by.

In Arizona, the index varies greatly across the state. The cost-of-living index for example, ranks Arizona as 37 in the list of America’s most affordable states. The average cost of living as of 2024 is $44,875 per year.

However, outside of the most popular cities and areas, you’ll find some real hidden gems making Arizona relocation on a budget more viable than you may have realized.

Arizona cheap community

Each person and family are different and has different needs and requirements. When finding a house in Arizona, be sure to factor in your own specific needs and requirements. Do that, and you may well stumble across your dream home for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay in more popular areas.

Unveiling The Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona

To help you find your dream home in the desert, here’s a look at several cheap Arizona cities by region.

Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona is home to some real hidden gems when it comes to affordable living.

This part of the state is home to some stunning regions that are much more cheap than more urbanized, popular regions of the state such as Phoenix or Tucson for example.

Douglas, which boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, stunning vistas, excellent schools, low crime rates, and friendly communities, is 9% cheaper than the national average.

Eloy, which sits in close proximity to the Mexican border is steeped in history and is 12% more cheap than the national average. It’s also considered a foodie’s haven as it is home to countless restaurants, cafes, and eateries, offering up fantastic food for affordable prices.

Central Arizona

Heading further north, we have central Arizona. When finding a house in Arizona, the center of the state certainly boasts plenty of options.

To begin with, you have Coolidge. Coolidge is seen by many as a budget version of Phoenix. It has undergone a lot of development, a friendly community, and plenty of landmarks. It’s 9% below the national average in terms of cost of living.
Arizonan family on front porch

As far as affordable Arizona cities, Buckeye is certainly up there. It’s one of America’s most rapidly developing cities and has attracted a lot of investment. Despite employment previously being below the nation’s average, investment and improvements in its infrastructure have seen Buckeye’s employment levels steadily increasing since 2022. The cost of living here is 5% above average, but utilities are much lower and there is a greater emphasis being placed on sustainability.

Casa Grande offers a small-town feel for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Despite this, it is home to fantastic transport links with plenty of highways and amenities all within a stone’s throw. The job market here is also very positive, which, along with its low crime rates and the fact that it is 4% cheaper than the national average, makes it the perfect location for young families.

Northern Arizona

Heading further north still, we have northern Arizona, which is home to cities such as Yuma, Bullhead City, and Kingman.

If you’re looking for friendly locals, stunning desert landscapes, and a region steeped in cultural history, Yuma is the perfect destination when buying a house in Arizona.

Yuma has seen its property values increase exponentially over the last few years. Between 2021 and 2022, the average house price here increased by 16.5%. Today, the average listed home price in Yuma is $360K. Considering it’s 4% cheaper to live here than the national average, and you can see why it’s so popular.

Bullhead City is located close to the Nevada and California borders and is in close proximity to major landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and other National Parks. It too has a cost of living that is 9% below the national average. Crime rates are low here, amenities are great, and the schools are excellent.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Kingman is considered by many to be the cheapest place to live in Arizona, or at least, when compared with cities such as Phoenix. It is a haven for outdoor lovers and foodies as it is home to countless locally owned restaurants. Kingman amazing hiking trails suitable for hikers of all age and abilities. It has a lower-than-average unemployment rate and is 11% cheaper to live in compared with the national average. Its cost-of-living index comes in at 73.43, which is well below the national average.

Affordable Arizona: Living on a Budget

While the Arizona cost of living varies hugely from region to region, there are many developed and up and coming affordable Arizona cities that would be fantastic for a wide spectrum of house buyers, or people simply looking to relocate.

Whether you’re looking to buying a home, rent a property, invest in real estate, or anything else, get in touch today and let us help you find your dream Arizona property on a budget. We’ve years of experience when it comes to cheap Arizona housing and can guide you every step of the way.

Whatever your budget, and whatever your personal circumstances, if it’s affordable Arizona living you’re after, look no further. Give us a call now and let us do the rest.

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