Cheapest Places to Live in Phoenix: Apartment List’s 2025 Ranking

Mountain Park Ranch, Central Avenue Corridor, Desert Ridge, and Downtown Phoenix are among the cheapest places to live in Phoenix. These affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix offer renters a chance to stretch their budget without sacrificing access to the city’s best amenities.

While rent isn’t what it used to be, deals on cheap rent in Phoenix still exist if you know where to look. According to Apartment List’s latest data, these neighborhoods feature below-average starting rents that keep you close to what makes Phoenix great. No trade-offs—just smart picks for renters seeking more value and less sticker shock.

Let’s break down where your dollar goes further in the Valley of the Sun.

Phoenix Rent Snapshot: How We Built This Ranking

We analyzed July 2025 rent data across Phoenix neighborhoods, using our platform's real-time listings. While factors like safety, schools, and amenities matter to many renters, they weren’t part of the core ranking criteria. However, we’ve highlighted those considerations in our Beyond Rent section for a fuller picture of each area.

All figures reflect what renters are actually paying, based on real-time listings from our platform—not outdated estimates.

To make the cut, a neighborhood had to have:

• Median rents near or below the citywide average in Phoenix ($1,312), offering strong value across a range of price points
• Enough listings to reflect real demand
• Access to major transit routes or commuter corridors
• A variety of rental types, from entry-level units to mid-tier options, helping renters with different budgets find value

The result? A ranking rooted in real rent trends—not just assumptions.

Apartment List Data Sources and Rent Report

Apartment List aggregates millions of active listings and survey responses to create a monthly snapshot of market conditions. At the heart of this system is the Apartment List Rent Report: a weighted measure of median rents across bedroom sizes, seasonally adjusted to reflect true price changes over time. To keep our Phoenix rent data accurate and reliable, we also incorporate external sources like U.S. Census data and local MLS feeds. The figures in this guide reflect the most recent data available, as of July 2025.

What Phoenix Rents Look Like Right Now

As of July 2025, the median rent in Phoenix is $1,312, marking a 0.6% drop from last month and a 3.8% decline compared to this time last year. These shifts reflect broader rent trends in 2025, which show the market gradually cooling and offering some relief to budget-conscious renters.

Here’s how Phoenix stacks up against the national median:

That puts Phoenix about 6.4% below the national median. Cities with similar pricing? Think Columbus, OH ($1,314) or Arlington, TX ($1,303). Seasonal patterns may also be in play—extreme summer heat in some cities often leads to a brief spike in vacancies, softening rent prices temporarily.

The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Phoenix (2025)

Here are Phoenix’s most wallet-friendly neighborhoods for 2025, ranked by lowest median rent. These four neighborhoods stood out for budget-friendliness, starting rents, and overall value. We compared each area’s median rent to the current citywide median of $1,496 to calculate percent savings.

While Mountain Park Ranch and Central Avenue Corridor fall just below the city median—making them technically more affordable—Desert Ridge and Downtown Phoenix land higher on the list due to more favorable starting rents in select units.

Each neighborhood offers a different mix of value, lifestyle, and access, helping renters find their fit based on more than just price. Let’s dig into what makes each one stand out.

Mountain Park Ranch

• Starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,203
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,476
• Number of currently available units: 25
• Walk score: 32
• Transit score: 21
• Bike score: 57
• Map of Mountain Park Ranch

Located in the foothills of Ahwatukee, Mountain Park Ranch offers a suburban feel with scenic desert views—and surprisingly budget-friendly rents. The median rent here is $1,486, just below the city average of $1,496. One-bedrooms start around $1,203, and two-bedrooms at $1,476, offering a modest savings for renters seeking comfort without overspending.

This planned community is known for its well-kept townhomes, mid-rise apartments, and family-friendly streetscapes. Residents enjoy access to top-rated Kyrene schools, greenbelt trails, and three community pools. Commuters benefit from proximity to I-10 and Loop 202, making it easy to get downtown or to major employment hubs in Chandler and Tempe. While crime rates in the Ahwatukee area remain well below the Phoenix average, it's worth noting that property crime can vary by complex. Overall, Mountain Park Ranch Phoenix rent offers strong value in a peaceful, amenity-rich setting.

Central Avenue Corridor

• Starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,130
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,149
• Number of currently available units: 33
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A
• Map of Central Avenue Corridor

The Central Avenue Corridor combines historic charm, transit access, and urban energy—while staying right in line with citywide pricing. With a median rent of $1,495, it's virtually identical to the Phoenix average of $1,496, but renters can still find significant savings in entry-level units. One-bedroom apartments start at $1,130, and two-bedrooms at $1,149—offering discounts of up to 25% below the city median for those unit types.

This walkable, urban corridor draws students, professionals, and transit riders, thanks to its close proximity to the Valley Metro light rail and an abundance of local coffee shops, galleries, and neighborhood eateries. It’s a standout pick for renters looking for affordable apartments in Central Avenue Corridor Phoenix without sacrificing access or culture.

Desert Ridge

• Starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,540
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,769
• Number of currently available units: 50
• Walk score: 22
• Transit score: 16
• Bike score: 51
• Map of Desert Ridge

While not traditionally seen as a budget destination, Desert Ridge offers pockets of relative value in one of Phoenix’s most desirable suburban-style neighborhoods. The neighborhood median rent is $1,975, notably higher than the city average of $1,496. However, starting rents tell a different story: one-bedroom apartments start at $1,540, and two-bedrooms at $1,769, offering competitive options within a premium zip code.

Known for its master-planned layout, shopping centers, and proximity to top-rated schools, Desert Ridge appeals to renters seeking a balance of lifestyle and convenience. With new developments and a growing mix of housing options, Desert Ridge rent prices may still offer hidden affordability for those willing to shop around.

Downtown Phoenix

• Starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $899
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,500
• Number of currently available units: 37
• Walk score: 96
• Transit score: 65
• Bike score: 64
• Map of Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is the city’s cultural and business hub—but it comes with some of the highest rents in the metro. The median neighborhood rent is $2,086, well above the city average of $1,496. Still, renters can find entry-level options, with one-bedrooms starting at $899 and two-bedrooms at $1,500, especially in older buildings or smaller complexes.

The area offers a diverse mix of housing, from luxury high-rises to renovated lofts and mid-century walk-ups. Its central location provides direct access to the Loop 202 and I-10, plus easy commutes to major employers, government offices, and ASU’s Downtown campus. While rents are steep, some Downtown Phoenix affordable housing options remain—particularly for those prioritizing location and access to transit, events, and entertainment.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Low rent is only half the story; budget for these Phoenix-specific expenses before signing a lease.

Transportation and Commuting Expenses

Phoenix is a car-centric city, and most residents depend on personal vehicles for daily travel. Commute times average 28 minutes, and while highways are toll-free, parking fees (especially downtown) can add up.

Transit riders can get a Valley Metro pass for about $64/month—a solid alternative to car expenses, which average $9,908 for a single adult per year.

Utilities Bills (Especially in Summer)

That AC bill hits differently in July. Expect to pay $220+ in the summer due to heavy air conditioning use, and around $130 in the mild winter months.

Rates depend on your provider—Salt River Project (SRP) and Arizona Public Service (APS)— and how energy-efficient your home is. Pro tip: blackout curtains and programmable thermostats go a long way.

Groceries, Taxes, and Lifestyle Costs

When budgeting for the cost of living in Phoenix, it’s important to note that groceries run about 5% above the national average. Arizona’s flat income tax (2.5%) keeps things simple, and most areas don’t add local rent taxes.

Lifestyle expenses vary but tend to be reasonable—an average gym membership costs around $40 per month, and entertainment options like Spring Training baseball offer affordable, seasonal fun with ticket prices typically starting near $15. These factors combine to give Phoenix a balanced cost profile for everyday living.

How to Score an Apartment in These Neighborhoods

Even in budget zones, smart strategies unlock deeper savings. From off-season deals to negotiation tactics, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of Phoenix’s more affordable neighborhoods—without the guesswork or the endless scrolling.

Time Your Search For Off-Season Deals

Wondering about the best time to rent in Phoenix? Rents usually dip from December through February, when fewer people are moving and competition cools off. Another window to watch is May—post-graduation season at Grand Canyon University—when more units hit the market and landlords are eager to fill them fast.

To take advantage of these timing sweet spots, set up Apartment List alerts about 60 days before your move. That way, you’ll be first in line when new listings (and off-season deals) go live.

Negotiate Rent and Move-In Incentives

When vacancy rates climb above 8%, renters get more leverage. That’s your cue to ask for perks—like a free month of rent or waived admin fees. Not sure where rates stand? A quick search of Phoenix rental market reports or city housing data can give you the answer. Back up your ask with comps from similar listings, and you’ve got a solid case.

Look out for rent concessions, too. These are temporary discounts or perks landlords use to attract renters—and in Phoenix, they can add up to real savings, especially when the market slows down.

Make Apartment List Work For You

Apartment List’s filters are your best friend. Use “Price Max” to stay on budget, toggle “Pet Friendly” if you’ve got a four-legged roommate, and check “Move-In Specials” to catch the best deals. Don’t forget to save your searches to get email and push alerts as soon as something good drops.

Ready to find your next apartment? Take Apartment List’s quiz to get matched with apartments that actually fit your needs—budget, pets, commute, and all. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs About Phoenix’s Cheapest Neighborhoods

What time of year are Phoenix rents lowest?

December to February, plus May after graduation season. These off-peak times can unlock big savings.

Are the cheapest neighborhoods safe?

Depends on the block. Check crime maps, talk to locals, and visit if you can.

Does Phoenix offer rental assistance programs?

Yes. City and county programs offer emergency rent and utility help. Learn more at the City of Phoenix Human Services Department and Maricopa County Housing Stability Rental and Utility Assistance (HSRUA) program.

How do utility costs compare across neighborhoods?

Phoenix utility costs vary by neighborhood due to housing age and type. Newer, energy-efficient homes in areas like Mountain Park Ranch generally have lower cooling bills. In contrast, older buildings in the Central Avenue Corridor and on the west side can see summer cooling costs 15-20% higher. Desert Ridge may also have higher water bills due to larger yards. Renters should factor these differences into their budget.

Is Phoenix cheaper than other Arizona cities?

It’s in the middle. Phoenix is cheaper than Scottsdale and Tempe, and pricier than Mesa and Glendale—but offers more neighborhood variety than most.