Arizona's diverse landscape, from the iconic Grand Canyon to the bustling cities and serene desert vistas, offers a mix of natural beauty and vibrant urban life. The state is home to landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks, and Monument Valley. The state's economy has seen robust growth, fueled by sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism, which have contributed to a dynamic and evolving economic landscape. Arizona's tax environment is relatively moderate, with state income and property taxes that are lower than many other states, making it an attractive place for those seeking affordability. Despite the economic growth, recent inflation and rising food costs have impacted the overall cost of living, making the search for the cheapest places to live in Arizona more pertinent for residents looking to balance their budgets.
Affordable living in Arizona can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas that surround the major cities. These areas tend to have lower housing costs and everyday expenses, providing a more manageable cost of living for families and individuals. Affordability is a critical component of livability, as it directly influences one's ability to maintain a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle without financial stress. Key factors that lead to affordable cities include lower housing demand, local economic policies that support cost-effective living, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these regions, ensuring that residents can find the best balance between affordability and quality of life. By understanding where these affordable areas are located, those living in or moving to Arizona can better navigate the economic landscape and enjoy the state's many benefits without compromising their financial stability.
Rank | Location | Population | COL Index | Med. Home Value | Med. Household Inc. |
1 | New Kingman-Butler | 12,981 | 78 | $74,200 | $36,169 |
2 | Golden Valley | 8,161 | 79 | $89,200 | $40,430 |
3 | Tuba City | 9,098 | 87 | $45,700 | $54,171 |
4 | Kayenta | 5,634 | 87 | $49,300 | $36,827 |
5 | Flowing Wells | 17,227 | 87 | $44,900 | $34,581 |
6 | Bullhead City | 40,808 | 88 | $152,100 | $43,442 |
7 | Summit | 5,066 | 89 | $83,400 | $38,871 |
8 | Kingman | 30,433 | 89 | $162,200 | $51,081 |
9 | Guadalupe | 6,572 | 90 | $139,200 | $42,833 |
10 | Douglas | 16,292 | 91 | $104,100 | $38,446 |
11 | South Tucson | 5,692 | 92 | $86,900 | $28,704 |
12 | Fort Mohave | 16,016 | 92 | $179,600 | $58,890 |
13 | Avra Valley | 6,285 | 92 | $103,800 | $44,066 |
14 | Winslow | 9,505 | 93 | $97,200 | $45,742 |
15 | Nogales | 20,182 | 94 | $124,300 | $29,043 |
16 | Holbrook | 5,073 | 94 | $102,200 | $45,106 |
17 | Somerton | 16,301 | 96 | $150,100 | $52,061 |
18 | Fortuna Foothills | 29,297 | 96 | $128,200 | $49,129 |
19 | Picture Rocks | 8,955 | 97 | $110,200 | $53,359 |
20 | Yuma | 97,428 | 97 | $152,300 | $52,183 |
21 | Eloy | 18,306 | 97 | $108,700 | $37,405 |
22 | Bisbee | 5,199 | 98 | $143,500 | $38,467 |
23 | Safford | 9,707 | 98 | $148,200 | $56,602 |
24 | Apache Junction | 41,863 | 99 | $122,000 | $46,708 |
25 | Rio Rico | 19,948 | 99 | $147,800 | $51,699 |
26 | Coolidge | 13,016 | 99 | $122,400 | $52,361 |
27 | Arizona City | 10,483 | 100 | $121,900 | $42,355 |
28 | Tolleson | 7,340 | 100 | $199,000 | $54,494 |
29 | Tucson Estates | 12,198 | 100 | $143,100 | $49,669 |
30 | Youngtown | 6,837 | 100 | $169,300 | $42,564 |
31 | San Luis | 33,875 | 101 | $128,500 | $41,648 |
32 | Drexel Heights | 30,780 | 101 | $146,700 | $57,576 |
33 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $40,682 |
34 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $31,901 |
35 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $n/a |
36 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $19,694 |
37 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $29,722 |
38 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $61,047 |
39 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $90,547 |
40 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $94,167 |
41 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $52,861 |
42 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $41,356 |
43 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $37,246 |
44 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $34,238 |
45 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $35,846 |
46 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $36,344 |
47 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $30,357 |
48 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $19,514 |
49 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $68,693 |
50 | Tucson | 545,340 | 101 | $165,900 | $27,875 |
To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Arizona, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).
The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.