Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona

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.

New Kingman-Butler Population: 12,981 22% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $74,200 Med. Rent: $775 Med. Household Inc.: $36,169

With a cost of living index that is 22% cheaper than the state average, New Kingman-Butler is the cheapest place to live in Arizona. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, New Kingman-Butler provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Golden Valley Population: 8,161 21% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $89,200 Med. Rent: $714 Med. Household Inc.: $40,430

The second most affordable city in Arizona is Golden Valley and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 21% cheaper than the Arizona average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Tuba City Population: 9,098 14% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $45,700 Med. Rent: $645 Med. Household Inc.: $54,171

Tuba City lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Arizona, with a cost of living that is 14% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Kayenta Population: 5,634 13% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $49,300 Med. Rent: $644 Med. Household Inc.: $36,827

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Kayenta offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 13% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Flowing Wells Population: 17,227 13% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $44,900 Med. Rent: $840 Med. Household Inc.: $34,581

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Flowing Wells is ideal, with a cost of living that is 13% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Arizona average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Bullhead City Population: 40,808 13% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $152,100 Med. Rent: $825 Med. Household Inc.: $43,442

Bullhead City comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Arizona and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 13% cheaper than Arizona. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Summit Population: 5,066 12% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $83,400 Med. Rent: $561 Med. Household Inc.: $38,871

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Summit is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Kingman Population: 30,433 11% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $162,200 Med. Rent: $883 Med. Household Inc.: $51,081

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Kingman fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 11% cheaper than Arizona.

Guadalupe Population: 6,572 11% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $139,200 Med. Rent: $666 Med. Household Inc.: $42,833

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Guadalupe is one of the most affordable cities in Arizona, and has a cost of living that is 11% cheaper than the state average.

Douglas Population: 16,292 9% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $104,100 Med. Rent: $581 Med. Household Inc.: $38,446

With a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Arizona, Douglas comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Arizona. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Arizona

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	$39,434
34	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$29,352
35	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$46,557
36	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$27,521
37	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$63,077
38	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$34,372
39	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$42,972
40	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$61,448
41	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$40,682
42	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$31,901
43	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$n/a
44	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$19,694
45	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$29,722
46	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$61,047
47	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$90,547
48	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$94,167
49	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$52,861
50	Tucson	545,340	101	$165,900	$41,356

Methodology

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%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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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.