Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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. Using AI-assisted city-level cost of living estimates, supported by U.S. Census housing data and regional economic modeling, helps identify these regions and gives residents a practical way to compare 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.

Kayenta Population: 5,821 20% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $90,865 Med. Rent: $974 Med. Household Inc.: $55,791

With a cost of living index that is 20% cheaper than the state average, Kayenta 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, Kayenta provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Tuba City Population: 9,432 18% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $80,846 Med. Rent: $981 Med. Household Inc.: $82,281

The second most affordable city in Arizona is Tuba City and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 18% 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.

Flowing Wells Population: 17,890 16% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $82,162 Med. Rent: $1,266 Med. Household Inc.: $52,213

Flowing Wells lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Arizona, with a cost of living that is 16% 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.

Summit Population: 5,250 15% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $150,951 Med. Rent: $833 Med. Household Inc.: $57,675

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. Summit offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 15% 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 .

New Kingman-Butler Population: 13,385 13% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $135,801 Med. Rent: $1,181 Med. Household Inc.: $53,597

For those wanting to live well on a budget, New Kingman-Butler 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.

Golden Valley Population: 8,423 12% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $163,618 Med. Rent: $1,098 Med. Household Inc.: $60,561

Golden Valley 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 12% 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.

Douglas Population: 16,920 11% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $190,742 Med. Rent: $871 Med. Household Inc.: $56,770

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Douglas 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.

Winslow Population: 9,874 11% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $176,599 Med. Rent: $1,025 Med. Household Inc.: $69,505

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. Winslow fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 11% cheaper than Arizona.

Holbrook Population: 5,197 10% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $183,149 Med. Rent: $1,103 Med. Household Inc.: $66,015

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. Holbrook is one of the most affordable cities in Arizona, and has a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average.

Avra Valley Population: 6,432 10% cheaper than Arizona average

Med. Home Value: $190,574 Med. Rent: $969 Med. Household Inc.: $66,724

With a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than Arizona, Avra Valley 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	Kayenta	5,821	80	$90,865	$55,791
2	Tuba City	9,432	83	$80,846	$82,281
3	Flowing Wells	17,890	85	$82,162	$52,213
4	Summit	5,250	86	$150,951	$57,675
5	New Kingman-Butler	13,385	88	$135,801	$53,597
6	Golden Valley	8,423	89	$163,618	$60,561
7	Douglas	16,920	89	$190,742	$56,770
8	Winslow	9,874	89	$176,599	$69,505
9	Holbrook	5,197	90	$183,149	$66,015
10	Avra Valley	6,432	90	$190,574	$66,724
11	South Tucson	5,857	91	$157,466	$41,975
12	Nogales	20,919	91	$217,612	$43,849
13	Eloy	18,990	92	$192,387	$56,390
14	San Luis	34,910	92	$229,137	$62,866
15	Apache Junction	43,334	93	$218,498	$68,476
16	Coolidge	13,315	94	$218,361	$77,620
17	Arizona City	10,694	94	$214,387	$64,380
18	Picture Rocks	9,197	95	$203,637	$79,138
19	Bisbee	5,328	95	$257,263	$58,425
20	Safford	10,079	95	$260,363	$83,676
21	Globe	7,530	96	$244,051	$82,166
22	Bullhead City	41,684	97	$277,972	$65,840
23	Guadalupe	6,820	97	$257,499	$63,657
24	Rio Rico	20,721	97	$271,367	$76,222
25	Tucson Estates	12,524	98	$264,037	$75,102
26	Fortuna Foothills	29,964	98	$225,621	$73,694
27	Snowflake	6,094	98	$294,957	$81,423
28	Eagar	5,015	98	$317,485	$101,297
29	Somerton	16,787	98	$275,273	$76,264
30	Drexel Heights	31,405	99	$269,144	$86,060
31	Yuma	99,763	99	$274,082	$78,873
32	Kingman	31,489	99	$297,375	$75,545
33	Youngtown	7,044	100	$303,100	$62,805
34	Tucson	564,632	100	$292,061	$67,557
35	Show Low	11,670	100	$305,628	$73,469
36	Casa Grande	59,608	100	$291,733	$80,758
37	Sierra Vista	44,960	101	$308,283	$88,480
38	Fort Mohave	16,571	101	$331,954	$86,850
39	Catalina	6,915	101	$317,449	$88,780
40	Thatcher	5,306	101	$324,764	$94,300
41	Sierra Vista Southeast	16,703	102	$353,166	$96,630
42	Colorado City	5,025	102	$0	$61,300
43	Sun City	39,873	102	$301,436	$63,398
44	Florence	27,692	103	$343,223	$86,354
45	Green Valley	21,416	103	$333,232	$75,261
46	Page	7,760	104	$0	$93,915
47	Cottonwood	12,640	104	$360,798	$55,612
48	Camp Verde	11,524	104	$386,527	$64,058
49	El Mirage	36,729	104	$323,070	$88,696
50	Tolleson	7,510	104	$349,738	$82,402

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Arizona, a city-level cost of living model was used with a national average baseline of 100. This framework is designed to provide a practical comparison of how far your dollar may go across different urban areas. Housing estimates incorporate the latest available U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted economic models based on expected everyday expenses, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. The overall index is weighted across key spending categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%).

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.