Best Affordable Places to Live in Arizona in 2025

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Although there are more affordable (albeit much smaller) communities in Arizona, when it comes to bang for your buck, Tucson takes the cake. Offering a heady combination of cosmopolitan features, a large population, and easy access to some of the most beautiful wildernesses in the country — including Saguaro National Park — Tucson is our pick for those looking to live affordably in Arizona.

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Just over an hour southeast of Tucson, Sierra Vista offers another, even more affordable southern Arizona option perfect for those who want all of the above — but with a slower pace of life. With a plethora of outdoor to-dos like Garden Canyon and the Coronado National Museum, coupled with just the right amount of city amenities, Sierra Vista is a hidden gem that’s easy on the eyes and the wallet. It could be a good bet for Arizona first-time homebuyers.

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By far the most populous city in Arizona — not to mention its capital — Phoenix might be accused of urban sprawl, but what it really offers is a multiplex of communities that truly mean there’s something for everyone.

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Families looking at Gilbert might appreciate its well-ranked public school system and easy access to all the amenities greater Phoenix has to offer. It’s also one of the closest Phoenix communities to the airport, which is key when it’s time to visit the grandparents. To compete more effectively in the Gilbert market (or any market) as a homebuyer, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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On the other end of the greater Phoenix area, Peoria offers the quintessential suburb experience with an outdoorsy bent. The city extends far enough north to include Lake Pleasant Regional Park, not to mention a stretch of Agua Fria riverfront.

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Tucson makes the list yet again — for all the reasons we’ve named above, which are just as good with kids in tow. Families can enjoy outings to the area’s many beautiful wilderness areas while also taking advantage of in-town to-dos like the Pima Air and Space Museum and Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Considering a purchase in Tucson? Check out an online home loan help center to find out more about mortgage options.

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Once again, Tucson makes the list — and with all its benefits, how could it not? The substantial population size means plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle, and network, and the proximity to outdoor spaces mean plenty of affordable first dates. Tucson’s median age is 35, and the city offers plenty of job opportunities in fields ranging from aerospace engineering to health care. And — again — it’s about as affordable as big cities come.

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With a cost of living about 11% lower than the U.S. average, Yuma is one of the most affordable cities in Arizona overall — and it has a large population base, which means plenty of opportunities to make friends. Almost always sunny and with lots of outdoor adventures awaiting, Yuma also boasts a growing art scene. Yuma is close to the Mexican border, and 62% of its residents are of Hispanic heritage.

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For young adults who are willing to live in a truly small town, Bisbee pays dividends — and not just because it’s affordable. A tiny, artsy city situated right along the Mexican border, Bisbee is a great place to live out your bohemian dreams. That said, you might need a remote job based somewhere bigger to make it work.

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With southerly climes staying warm all year long — no shoveling — and an easy proximity to the bigger-city resources of Tucson, Sierra Vista is the perfect locale for seniors. Sierra Vista offers a sleepier lifestyle and lower prices than its bigger-city cousin, and almost a quarter its population is aged 65 or over.

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For Phoenix-area retirees looking to get some distance from the hustle and bustle — or those from anywhere just looking for an affordable, sunshiney place to live — Casa Grande is an excellent pick for a retirement option near Arizona’s capital. Plus, it’s home to the well-rated Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and Hospital.

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Why not retire where others vacation? Lake Havasu City offers retirees the opportunity to enjoy the waterfront every day of their golden years, if they like, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than moving to Malibu (though you might fall for a pricier property here that could require a jumbo mortgage loan). Look north of Lake Havasu, in Bullhead City, for less costly lake-adjacent lodgings and a noticeably lower cost of living.

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The perfect option for people who want to live within a stone’s throw of a big city — but far enough away to see the stars at night — Payson is just an hour and a half from the heart of Phoenix, but totally surrounded by untouched wildernesses. The vast expanse of Tonto National Forest is just one option; Payson is also close to several gorgeous mountain ranges.

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Located right alongside the Mule Mountain range, Bisbee offers a smaller and more laidback opportunity to enjoy an outdoorsy life with a small but mighty home base — in a community of only 5,000 or so, you’ll be sure to know your neighbors. If you need bigger city resources, Sierra Vista is just a half hour away.

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A border town just across the way from Mexico’s Agua Prieta, Douglas boasts the beautiful view of the Chiricahua Mountains to the northeast. And with median rental prices sitting at just under $800, this is by far one of the most affordable communities on the list. If you decide you’d like to buy in Douglas, it can be a smart move to study up on the different types of home mortgages.