Arizona has more to offer than hot weather and the Grand Canyon. Because of its quickly increasing economy, stunning landscapes, and inviting communities, it has become one of the greatest places to live in the United States.
Arizona has a lower cost of living than other states in the United States due to its affordable home prices, reasonable taxes, lower utility expenses, and inexpensive transportation.
When compared to New Jersey, Connecticut, Oregon, and other states, the general cost of goods and services is often lower, including food, healthcare, and entertainment. Furthermore, the state’s natural beauty offers a variety of low-cost outdoor activities.
However, prices might differ based on the region of the state, with some parts being more expensive than others.
Cost of Living in Arizona
For example, here’s a simplified overview of your average monthly living expenses in Arizona cities. These values are averages and roughly correspond to the nine locations we will discuss. In Arizona, the average after-tax salary is $4,451, which is enough to meet living expenses for two months.
| Rent (room, 1br apartment) | $650-$1,050 |
| Utilities (gas, electricity, water) | $300-$350 |
| Internet | $50-$100 |
| Transportation | $100 |
| Grocery & Food (eating out is not included) | $400-$500 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | $100-$200 |
| Total | $2,200 |
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city, is located in the state’s south, roughly 111 miles (180 kilometers) south of Phoenix, the state capital. Tucson has a population of around one million people, including its suburbs. Tucson, located in the Sonoran Desert, is surrounded on all sides by breathtaking mountain ranges. The scenery is surprisingly diverse for a desert, with hills, dried riverbeds, steep canyons, and a variety of cactus and other flora, all set against a pristine azure sky.
Close by is the famed Saguaro National Park, a wonderful Arizona treasure. The region has a desert environment with lengthy, scorching summers. Tucson’s elevation of 2,624 feet (800 meters) above sea level keeps temperatures here slightly milder than in Phoenix.
Tucson’s average monthly cost of living is $1,555, ranking it 33rd out of 34 cities in Arizona. The average after-tax earnings is $4,105, which is enough to pay living expenses for around 2.6 months.
Bullhead City
Mohave County has Bullhead City, one of the most affordable locations to live in Arizona. The economy is growing here, as it is throughout Arizona, with both business and residential construction increasing. The city has a population of 39,540 people.
Bullhead City, located on the Colorado River, is only 90 miles south of Las Vegas. Laughlin, Nevada, is located across the river and attracts Bullhead City inhabitants for work due to Nevada’s absence of a state income tax.
Bullhead City has a typical desert environment, with little humidity and scorching summer temperatures. Winters are almost entirely snow-free.
The Colorado River is an important part of Bullhead City’s culture, providing a variety of water-related leisure opportunities. Residents and guests can enjoy boating, jet skiing, fishing, or simply going for a dip. The necessary infrastructure and rental facilities, including unique platforms along the riverbank, are readily available.
Bullhead City is relatively priced, with an average cost of living of $1,785, ranking it 31st out of 34 Arizona communities. The average after-tax earnings is $3,901, which is enough to meet living expenses for 2.2 months.
Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista, Arizona, is a picturesque small community with a population of 45,000 according to the 2020 census, making it the state’s 27th most populous city. Sierra Vista, which translates to “mountain view” in Spanish, is located 75 miles southeast of Tucson and serves as the commercial, cultural, and entertainment center of Cochise County. Although it has a relatively constant climate with low humidity, the North American Monsoon produces substantial rain in July and August, accounting for over half of the annual rainfall.
Sierra Vista has the 32nd lowest cost of living in Arizona, with an average of $1,652. The average after-tax wage of $3,280 is enough to cover two months of living expenditures.
Yuma
Yuma, Arizona’s county seat, has a population of over 95,000 people. It has a desert-like environment, with warm winters and scorching summers, making it one of the state’s hottest cities. Temperatures in July can reach 40°C (104°F), while temperatures in January seldom fall below 20°C (68°F). Yuma, surprisingly, holds the Guinness World Record for the sunniest spot on Earth, receiving sunshine 93% of the year. The city receives only eight cm of rain each year on average. Yuma is a great training site for American military pilots because of the lack of fog and clouds.
Yuma has an average cost of living of $1,552, ranking it in the top 28% of the most expensive cities in the world. With a median after-tax wage of $2,796, it ranks 34th out of 34 in Arizona, enough to cover 1.8 months’ living expenses.
Kingman
The nearest city to the Grand Canyon is Kingman, the capital of Mojave County in northwestern Arizona. It had a population of 28,068 people according to the 2010 census. It’s named for Lewis Kingman, the engineer behind the Atlantic-Pacific Railroad (later Santa Fe), and it’s right in the middle of Arizona’s Highway 66. The remnants of the historic route that spanned the United States from west to east began here.
As a result, the city is brimming with tourist attractions, murals, and graffiti commemorating the legendary Route 66. Kingman, located at an elevation of around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), has pleasant weather all year. It’s not only a beautiful destination for tourists to visit, but it’s also an affordable option for living comfortably in Arizona.
Kingman’s average cost of living is $1,982, placing it 26th out of 34 cities in Arizona. The median after-tax wage of $3,896 is enough to pay two months’ worth of living expenditures.
