Cost of Living in Arizona, 2024
Arizona's incredible geographical features, including petrified woods, the Grand Canyon, and towering cacti, make it the perfect home for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
If you prefer to avoid the notorious Arizona heat indoors, The Grand Canyon State offers a plethora of entertainment opportunities ranging from museums to professional sports games to bars to restaurants and more.
If you've checked off all your relocation must-haves, there's just one thing you'll need to do before finalizing your decision to move to Arizona.
You'll need to consider the cost of living in Arizona and your budget.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the cost of living in Arizona to help you create your moving budget. Let's dive in!
A Guide to Cost of Living in AZ
What Is the Cost of Living in Arizona?
The average cost of living in Arizona is only 6.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, according to MIT's Living Wage calculator, one adult with no children would need to earn $17.78 an hour to live.
| Cost of Living | Arizona | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 106.4 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 97.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 119.7 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $349,300 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 102.7 | 100 |
| Transportation | 107 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 93.7 | 100 |
Be sure to remember these figures provide an average across the state. After all, the cost of living can vary across the state of Arizona.
Where is Cost of Living Highest in Arizona?
The city in Arizona with the highest cost of living is Paradise Valley, a small town located in Maricopa County and a suburb of Phoenix. The average cost of living in Paradise Valley is 229.3% higher than the national average.
| Cost of Living | Paradise Valley | Arizona | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 329.3 | 106.4 | 100 |
| Grocery | 114.2 | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 92.5 | 97.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 833.9 | 119.7 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $2,432,500 | $349,300 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 101.4 | 102.7 | 100 |
| Transportation | 111.5 | 107 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 105.2 | 93.7 | 100 |
Where is Cost of Living Lowest in Arizona?
New Kingman-Butler is a small unincorporated community in Mohave County where the average cost of living is 14% lower than the national average.
| Cost of Living | New Kingman-Butler | Arizona | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 86 | 106.4 | 100 |
| Grocery | 95 | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 131.1 | 97.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 66.7 | 119.7 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $194,500 | $349,300 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 95.1 | 102.7 | 100 |
| Transportation | 75.3 | 107 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 80 | 93.7 | 100 |
How Expensive is Renting in Arizona?
Housing costs are generally among the most significant expenses that movers have to contend with in their budget, which is why they make an excellent starting point for any new moving budget.
To help get you started, here’s a breakdown of the average rent price for Arizona's major cities, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson.
| City | Average 1-Bedroom Rent | Average 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $1,046 | $1,375 |
| Mesa, AZ | $1,234 | $1,424 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1,179 | $1,426 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $1,504 | $1,794 |
Those looking to own in Arizona will also find that median home prices are affordable, but on the rise.
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $380,300 |
| Mesa, AZ | $469,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $430,000 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $430,000 |
How Much is Transportation in Arizona?
According to data from MIT's Living Wage Calculator, the average Arizona resident spends $5,316 annually on transportation costs. For a family of four with two children and two working adults, transportation costs increase to $14,990 annually.
Arizona doesn't have public transportation at the state level. Public transportation is handled by individual agencies across the state.
If you're working remotely from home, you may want to consider Arizona. Tempe, which is a 20 drive from Phoenix and 15 minutes from Scottsdale, is one of the best cities for remote workers.
How Much Are Groceries in Arizona?
The average Arizona resident spends $3,999 on their grocery bill annually. This expense increases to $11,764 for a family of four.
Here's a look at how much a three-course meal (plus gratuity) will cost you in Arizona's major cities.
How Much is Healthcare in Arizona?
The average Arizona resident spends $3,125 on medical costs annually, while a family of four spends $9,920.
If you have to purchase a health insurance policy on your own, head over to Healthcare.gov to find a policy that meets your needs.
You can find state-specific resources on the Arizona Department of Health Services website. These resources include low-cost care options for women, children, families, and individuals that have specific health care needs.
Generally, moving to a new state means that you'll have a harder time finding providers within your insurance network. Be sure to check in with your current provider to determine your options.
How Much Are Utilities in Arizona?
The average monthly cost of utilities in Arizona is $249.94, which includes electricity, fuel, and water. However, depending on where you live in Arizona, utility costs will vary. For example, Phoenix's average cost for basic utilities is $258.42, while the average monthly cost in Tucson is $245.13.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Fuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 177.12 | 22.47 | 58.40 | 0.44 | 258.42 |
| Tucson | 151.75 | 37.42 | 55.22 | 0.73 | 245.13 |
| Arizona | 165.19 | 28.33 | 55.14 | 1.29 | 249.94 |
It can be challenging to estimate your utilities in your budget. However, in the U.S., the average monthly cost for basic utilities is $240. These costs include gas, electricity, and water for your apartment. Furthermore, the average U.S. resident pays $114 for their phone service and anywhere from $64 for their internet service monthly, it's essential to account for these items in your budget.
Arizona Fitness and Entertainment
Regardless of where you live, you'll likely set aside money for entertainment costs every so often. Whether you're funding a hobby, entertainment, or anything that makes you happy, you should include these costs in your budget.
MIT's Living Wage Calculator refers to these costs as civic expenses. The average Arizona resident spends $2,581 annually on civic expenses, while a family of four spends $6,686.
You’ll have to factor in the costs of a monthly gym membership. Here are the average costs of gym memberships in Arizona's major cities, according to Numbeo:
- Phoenix: $34.05
- Tucson: $32.50
- Mesa: $20.17
- Scottsdale: $42.00
Best Arizona State Parks
Arizona has the unique privilege of being home to The Grand Canyon National Park, The Petrified Forest National Park, and The Saguaro National Park.
Catch a Game in Phoenix
Arizona is home to professional sports teams in each of the four major leagues in the U.S. — a luxury that draws many sports fans to the state.
Be prepared to cover the cost of admission, which can range from $39 to $82 on average, depending on the team you want to see playing.
Hit the Slopes in Arizona
Although Arizona is known for its deserts and cities, the state's mountainous regions provide ample opportunities for those winter sports lovers looking for a cold adventure. Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff offers lodging, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
Prices start at $99 for a weekday pass where visitors can choose one day of the week to head to the slopes for the entire season. Choose your day wisely!
Arizona State Taxes
The state of Arizona collects a sales tax of 5.6%. In addition to the state sales tax, both counties and cities may levy additional taxes. For example, Phoenix's effective sales tax rate is 8.6%, including the state, county, and city-level tax.
Income Tax: The state of Arizona collects an income tax based on a sliding scale. The sliding income tax rate ranges from 2.59% to 4.50%, depending on your income.** **
Other Expenses to Consider in Arizona
Creating an accurate budget means taking all the expenses of your new state. Unfortunately, these costs can be overshadowed or completely forgotten by most budgeters.
To help you avoid that problem, here are some other costs to consider when moving to Arizona:
- Insurance
- Parking fees
- Laundry
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Arizona?
To live comfortably in Phoenix, a renter should earn at least $4,006.66 before taxes each month. This translates to an annual pre-tax salary of $48,080.
How did we get that number?
Effectively budgeting for an apartment means following the golden rule of rent budgeting:
An individual's pre-tax earnings should be at least three times the cost of the rent.
Using Phoenix, the average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,202 monthly.
You can use our rent calculator to help you determine how much you can afford to spend on rent each month.
Is It Expensive to Live in Arizona?
If both you and your budget are ready to make the move to Arizona, it's time to get started on your search for the perfect apartment.
Learn about the best places to live in Arizona. and the cheapest places to live there.
Get started with our easy quiz to help you get matched with the perfect apartment in Arizona.
FAQs: Cost of Living in Arizona 2023
How expensive is an apartment in Arizona?
Arizona rents vary depending on which city you live in. A one-bedroom apartment in Tucson costs $981. A two-bedroom apartment in Tucson costs $1,291.
A one-bedroom apartment in Mesa costs $1,246. A two-bedroom apartment in Mesa costs $1,438.
A one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix costs $1,202. A two-bedroom apartment in Phoenix costs $1,454.
A one-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale is $1,536. A two-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale costs $1,833.
What is the cheapest rent in Arizona?
The cheapest rent in Arizona is a one-bedroom apartment in Tucson. You’ll spend an average of $981 for a one-bedroom apartment in Tucson.
How expensive is it to live in Arizona?
Single adults in Arizona will spend an average of $4,938 a year on transportation. A family of four will spend around $13,456 on transportation each year. Single adults will spend an average of $3,999 a year on food. A family of four with two kids will pay $11,764 a year on food.
Is Arizona cheaper than California?
Yes, Arizona is cheaper than California. However, your rents will also vary depending on where you live. A one-bedroom apartment in Tucson costs $981. A one-bedroom apartment in San Diego costs $1,928. A one-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale costs $1,536. A one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles costs $1,644.
How far is Arizona from Texas?
Arizona to Texas is 825.7 miles apart. It takes 13 hours and 33 minutes to get between Arizona and Texas.
How far is Arizona from California?
It is 736.9 miles between Arizona and California. It takes about 13 hours and 57 minutes between Arizona and California.
What is the population of Arizona?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the entire population of Arizona is 7,359,197.
What is a good salary in Arizona?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Arizona is $65,913.
You can live comfortably if you only spend 30% of your take-home pay on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment in Tucson for $981, you need a salary of $39,240 to live comfortably. For a two-bedroom apartment that costs $1,291, you’ll need a salary of at least $51,640.
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