7 Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona, 2024

Considering a move to the Grand Canyon State? There's more to Arizona than meets the eye. Beyond the iconic canyons and sun-drenched deserts, understanding the cost of living in Arizona is a must for potential newcomers.

Arizona's allure is undeniable, being the 6th-largest state in the US, known for its scenic beauty and metropolitan appeal. And while its charm is vast, so are the opportunities for affordable living. With valuable insights from HOMEiA, we're here to steer you in the right direction. For those seeking the most for their money, here's a roundup of the ten cheapest places to live in Arizona.

Note: The data provided below comes from our rent estimates. These numbers expand beyond what’s listed on our platform. For further information, learn about our methodology.

Arizona State Average Rent Prices

Learn more about Arizona rent prices and what to expect to pay for different sized apartments.

• The average rent for a Arizona studio apartment is: $1,403.24
• The average rent for a Arizona one bedroom apartment is: $1,432.67
• The average rent for a Arizona two bedroom apartment is: $1,717.88
• The average rent for a Arizona three bedroom apartment is: $2,200.50

If you're concerned about the cost of living in Arizona, learn about the true cost of renting. You can also consider subletting, living in a short-term rental, or finding a move-in special!

1. Tucson

Population: 542,629 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,396 Rent Change in the Past Year: 21.92% Median Household Income: $45,227 Walk Score: 432 Transit Score: 35 Bike Score: 66

Known for its artsy, laid-back vibe, Tucson has something to offer people of all backgrounds. From eclectic boutiques to bustling restaurants, Tucson is a melting pot of a city with bike-friendly roads. Yet, despite over half of a million people, Tucson still offers residents a quaint, small-town feel.

Students and graduates of the University of Arizona have made a home of Tucson, with rental price points spanning varying budgets. Not surprisingly, the downtown area has slightly higher rent prices but is still considerably affordable compared to other popular cities in Arizona.

You can head to the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway or the Saguaro National Park. However, If museums are more your style, you can also check out the Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Pima Air, and Space Museum, or the Franklin Auto Museum.

You’ll find plenty of activities and entertainment throughout Tucson, including many family-friendly options. The outer boroughs and Northeast areas of Tucson tend to be the area’s families prefer, providing families in the area with an old west feel.

Learn all about the best neighborhoods in Tucson before deciding on what area is best suited for you. Also check out the average rent prices in Tucson!

The majority of Tucson is covered by the Sonoran Desert, which is known for the giant saguaro cactus. However, despite the desert, Tucson also has mountain ranges which even provide skiing in the winters.

Learn more about the average rent prices in Tucson.

2. Phoenix

Population: 1,608,139 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,506 Rent Change In the Past Year: 23.39% Median Household Income: $60,914 Walk Score: 41 Transit Score: 36 Bike Score: 56

Phoenix is both the capital of Arizona and one of the best and most popular places to live within the state. The city is broken into dozens of distinct neighborhoods, including Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Central Avenue Corridor, Downtown Phoenix, Mountain Park Ranch.

Learn all about the best neighborhoods in Phoenix before deciding on your final landing spot.

Located in central Arizona in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is a premier destination. The weather is warm in Phoenix, making its nickname appropriate. Many retirees and snowbirds flock here to escape the cold winters throughout the rest of the country.

When weather permits, Phoenix has a wide variety of ways to explore the beautiful outdoors. Enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, or the Phoenix Zoo. Otherwise, you can check out the Musical Instrument Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, or Heard Museum if you’re looking to escape the heat.

Phoenix has something for everyone with the perfect blend of low-key cultural offerings, seasonal outdoor activities, and bustling metropolitan areas. The job market is also great in Phoenix. The top industries are health care and social assistance, administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, and accommodation and food services.

Get a better understanding of the cost of living in Phoenix and average rent prices) before moving to Phoenix.

3. Glendale

Population: 248,325 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,561 Rent Change In the Past Year: 25.89% Median Household Income: $56,991 Walk Score: 40 Transit Score: 34 Bike Score: 57

Not only is Glendale one of the cheapest places to live in Arizona, but it is also one of the best cities in the state. Broken into six different districts, each offering its unique spirit, you’ll never run short of fun things to do in Glendale.

Choose from a wide range of nightlife, shopping, or historic adventure activities. Despite not having a professional sports team of its own, Glendale hosts countless NFL games at the State Farm Stadium. In 2008, this stadium also hosted Super Bowl XLII.

The six districts within Glendale include Barrel, Cactus, Cholla, Sahuaro, Ocotillo, and Yucca. Regardless of your chosen district, you’ll want to be sure to live somewhere with a pool to help survive the brutal heat of the summers.

Nature lovers should check out the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, the Thunderbird Conservation Park, or the Sahuaro Ranch Park. For concerts and live sports entertainment, visit the Westgate Entertainment District, the Gila River Area, or Camelback Ranch.

Glendale is known as Arizona’s Antique Capital thanks to unique, city-wide shops. With plenty of opportunities to spend your money, it’s good to know that the job market in Glendale is strong. The city’s top employers include Luke Air Force Base, Banner Health, and Arrowhead Towne Center.

Learn more about the average rent prices in Glendale.

4. Casas Adobes

Population: 70,973 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,756 Rent Change in the Past Year: N/A Median Household Income: $67,480 Walk Score: 24 Bike Score: 44

Casas Adobes is a suburb less than nine miles from Tucson that offers an affordable cost of living. It's considered to be one of the best places to live in Arizona featuring restaurants, parks, and quality schools. Beyond families and professionals, college students have quick access to the University of Arizona, community colleges, and area colleges in Tucson.

Beyond the desert landscape, Casas Adobes features hilly terrain with views of the surrounding mountains and nearby Tucson. The quiet community is the perfect bedroom community for work or play. Locals make the quick commute into Tucson or work in industries like health care, social assistance, retail, education, mining, and utilities.

You’ll find big-box retailers are scattered throughout the community and the Foothills Mall, which offers a food court and cinema. If you want to stay in Casas Adobes, restaurants like The Parish offer gastropub and southern fare with an arty backdrop. Guiseppe's serves Italian dishes and is known for its eggplant Parmesan.

Learn more about average rent prices in Casas Adobes.

5. Mesa

Population: 504,258 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,636 Rent Change in the Past Year: 24.93% Median Household Income: $61,640 Walk Score: 38 Transit Score: 27 Bike Score: 60

Mesa is a popular location for young professionals and families. With affordable rent prices, this growing city keeps attention thanks to its well-known low property taxes. So even if you don’t plan on purchasing, low property taxes mean landlords don’t have to hike up rent prices to keep up with their payments.

You’ll find multiple rivers and lakes, which are unique to Mesa. Plus, Saguaro Lake is only a short 20-minute drive away. Otherwise, check out other bodies of water, including Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Lake, or Salt River, all relatively close by to Mesa.

If you prefer staying indoors during the hot summers, you can check out the Commemorative Air Force Museum, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, or the Mesa Arts Center.

Mesa is known for its Cactus League little league, which has hosted numerous local heroes through the years, such as Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb.

Although the summertimes can usually bring insufferable heat, having water nearby makes surviving much more bearable. Otherwise, the third-largest city in Arizona is known for its spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains.

Learn more about average rent prices in Mesa.

6. Paradise Valley

Population: 12,658 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,545 Rent Change in the Past Year: N/A Median Household Income: $212,773 Walk Score: N/A Transit Score: N/A Bike Score: N/A

Paradise Valley is a town located on the outskirts of Phoenix, which shares the city’s picturesque desert geography, long sunny days, and hot weather.

Many tourists visit Paradise Valley because of its proximity to Phoenix and the eight beautiful resorts within the city borders. Paradise Valley is a small town with a lot of traffic, considering the small population and the sheer volume of luxury resorts, golf courses, and other tourist attractions.

Considering the wealth within Paradise Valley, it’s not too surprising that the rental and real estate markets are pretty insane. However, for those looking to rent in Paradise Valley, be warned that it is a bit of a challenge. Units will cost you a lot, and there aren’t many to choose from in this highly sought-after location.

Of course, if you can afford to rent a home or apartment that starts at $3,000+ on the low end, Paradise Valley is an excellent place to call home. Paradise Valley has a lot to offer prospective renters beyond its impressively high cost of living.

Paradise Valley is a dream location with several golf courses and plenty of highly-rated restaurants ranging from wine bars to steakhouses.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Paradise Valley.

7. Flagstaff

Population: 76,831 Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,700 Rent Change in the Past Year: N/A Median Household Income: $58,865 Walk Score: 39 Transit Score: 39 Bike Score: 65

An outdoor enthusiast's dream worth mentioning as one of the cheapest places to live in Arizona is Flagstaff. Flagstaff takes the prize for outdoor recreation options, although Arizona is known for its gorgeous views and sunny days. Locals enjoy some of the major tourist attractions nearby, including the Grand Canyon and Arizona Snowbowl.

There are plenty of attractions for Flagstaff locals to enjoy. For example, Flagstaff enacted dark sky rules making for incredible solar views, making stargazing a popular hobby in the city. The Lowell Observatory hosts public stargazing events for those who don't have a telescope.

Although Flagstaff's desert geography doesn't lend itself to large natural water bodies, the Upper Lake Mary reservoir is a popular fishing spot. Movies in Heritage square, lawn yoga, art walks, and more are just some of the city's most popular summer events. Check out some of these events to meet new people if you move to the city!

Flagstaff still has a lot to offer if you're looking for more than great outdoor entertainment. Flagstaff is a notably diverse city with a thriving art scene. And while the nightlife scene may not make the newspapers, it's substantial. There are many bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants to choose from.

You'll have tons of rental options to choose from, ranging from single-family homes to luxury apartments if you're interested in moving to Flagstaff.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Flagstaff.

Cheapest Cities in Arizona Data

Before you pack up and move to Arizona, know what to expect. Here are the average rents for two-bedroom apartments in different cities and their year-over-year growth.

Final Thoughts - Where Should I Move to in Arizona?

No matter what you are looking for in Arizona, whether it be lakes and rivers in Mesa or the hustle of a metropolitan area like Phoenix, there’s something for everyone! Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Arizona are also the cheapest places to live in Arizona.

So, if you are interested in moving to Arizona, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Arizona. Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Arizona!