Arizona’s low-cost living isn’t the only reason 256,000 people dream of this southwestern gem. Eloy is attracting thousands of young professionals for its booming job market and recreational activities.
Retirees are flocking to Golden Valley for its low healthcare cost and beautiful desert landscapes and for families, there is no shortage of fun family outings in Marana. Seeking the cheapest places to live in Arizona? Explore the cities with the lowest costs!
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona in 2025
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Douglas | $162,379 | $784 | 15% lower ⬇️ | $39,350 | 15,638 |
| 2. San Luis | $234,160 | $1,500 | 9% lower ⬇️ | $57,364 | 37,966 |
| 3. Eloy | $266,060 | $1,100 | 13% lower ⬇️ | $54,080 | 18,528 |
| 4. Kingman | $266,716 | $1,600 | 7% lower ⬇️ | $60,418 | 35,334 |
| 5. Yuma | $295,559 | $1,600 | 9% lower ⬇️ | $62,546 | 100,858 |
| 6. Coolidge | $280,396 | $1,650 | 10% lower ⬇️ | $57,161 | 18,293 |
| 7. Bullhead City | $298,370 | $1,600 | 7% lower ⬇️ | $47,717 | 43,302 |
| 8. Tuscon | $327,203 | $1,600 | 3% lower ⬇️ | $54,546 | 547,239 |
| 9. Golden Valley | $241,295 | $1,500 | 7% lower ⬇️ | $43,940 | 7,999 |
| 10. Marana | $437,173 | $2,126 | 3% lower ⬇️ | $108,256 | 58,430 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in Arizona into three categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the Arizona real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
3 Affordable Places to Live In AZ for Families 👨🏻👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻
1. Douglas
- Median House Rent: $784
- Median Home Value: $162,379
- Cost of Living: 15% cheaper than the national average.
Douglas is the cheapest area to live in Arizona, with a small-town movie set vibe and a dash of Mexican flair. Families love the neighborhoods and top-rated schools like Douglas High School and Clawson School. You can also visit parks like Paul Huber Park, where kids can run wild while parents relax.
With employers like Skywind Group and Velcro Brand, you can snag a stable job without selling a kidney. Bonus: the tacos at Border Taco are so good that you’ll forget about Taco Tuesday and just call it ‘Tuesday’.
» Douglas Homes for Sale: Get yourself an ideal home in the cheapest city to live in Arizona.
2. San Luis
- Median House Rent: $1,500
- Median Home Value: $234,160
- Cost of Living: 9% cheaper than the national average.
San Luis is the family-friendly oasis you didn’t know you needed. With Arizona Western College nearby, your kids can grow up in a community that values education. It also offers affordable housing, which is 37.6% lower than the national average.
Families flock to Joe Orduño Park for picnics and playdates, and the cost of living in is so low, you’ll have extra cash for weekend trips to Yuma. Plus, the sunsets here? They’re basically Instagram filters in real life.
» San Luis Homes for Sale: Browse homes in Arizona for sale to find your dream home.
3. Eloy
- Median House Rent: $1,100
- Median Home Value: $266,060
- Cost of Living: 13% cheaper than the national average.
Eloy is a budget-friendly gem with food and groceries 6% cheaper than the national average. Families enjoy amenities like Eloy Santa Cruz Park, ensuring a safe and fun environment for kids.
Parents can find stable jobs at STG International and Trinity Services Group, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore Picacho Peak State Park. Eloy combines affordability, safety, and recreation, which makes it a top pick for families.
» Eloy Homes for Sale: Discover cheap homes for sale in Arizona for families.
3 Cheapest Cities to Live In Arizona for Young Adults
1. Kingman
- Median House Rent: $1,600
- Median Home Value: $266,716
- Cost of Living: 7% cheaper than the national average.
Kingman is a young adult hotspot with utility costs 12% lower, freeing up cash for social activities. The city’s proximity to Route 66 and attractions like Hualapai Mountain Park offer endless recreational opportunities.
Key employers like Isco Industries and American Woodmark Corporation are prominent here. Also, its easy access to Las Vegas (just 2 hours away), Kingman is perfect for young professionals seeking adventure and affordability.
» Kingman Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the cheapest place in Arizona to live.
2. Yuma
- Median House Rent: $1,600
- Median Home Value: $295,559
- Cost of Living: 9% cheaper than the national average.
Yuma is home to several higher education institutions like Arizona State University, which offers programs in the area. It is also known for its rich history with various attractions like The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and the Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town.
Grocery costs are 5.4% lower than the U.S. median, which makes it a budget-friendly place without breaking the bank. Besides, Yuma’s affordability and social scene make it a great choice for recent graduates and early-career professionals.
» Yuma Homes for Sale: Search affordable homes in the least expensive places to live in Arizona.
3. Coolidge
- Median House Rent: $1,650
- Median Home Value: $280,396
- Cost of Living: 10% cheaper than the national average.
Coolidge is the budget-friendly hub for young adults who want a mix of work and play. The city has a multicomplex with several tennis courts, softball, baseball, and soccer fields. With employers like Coolidge Industrial and Union Pacific Railroad, this city offers plenty of job opportunities.
Young professionals can explore the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum or take a day trip to Phoenix (just an hour away). Plus, with affordable utility costs, you’ll have more money for weekend concerts and food trucks.
» Coolidge Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Arizona.
4 Inexpensive Places to Live In Arizona for Retirees
1. Bullhead City
- Median House Rent: $1,600
- Median Home Value: $298,370
- Cost of Living: 7% cheaper than the national average.
Bullhead City is the retiree paradise with stunning desert landscapes and a laid-back vibe. Located near the Colorado River, this city offers endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and golfing. Housing also costs at 10.2% less than the U.S. average.
Retirees can enjoy Laughlin, Nevada and it is just across the river for casinos and entertainment. With healthcare costs 7% lower than the national average, you’ll have more money for river cruises and margaritas.
» Bullhead City Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in one of the cheapest cities in Arizona.
2. Tucson
- Median House Rent: $1,600
- Median Home Value: $327,203
- Cost of Living: 3% cheaper than the national average.
Tucson is the cultural hub for retirees who want affordability and a vibrant arts scene. With Raytheon Missiles & Defense as a top employer, this city offers a strong economy.
Retirees can explore Saguaro National Park or enjoy the Tucson Botanical Gardens for a scenic drive or hiking. Plus, with transportation costs 3.4% lower than the national average, you’ll have more cash for museum tickets and art classes.
» Tucson Homes for Sale: Find homes in the most affordable cities in Arizona.
3. Golden Valley
- Median House Rent: $1,500
- Median Home Value: $241,295
- Cost of Living: 7% cheaper than the national average.
Golden Valley is the quiet retreat for retirees who want peace and affordability. With utility costs 10% lower than the national average, this city is perfect for those on a fixed income.
Seniors can enjoy Hualapai Mountain Park for hiking or take a short drive to Kingman for shopping and dining. Moreover, with healthcare costs 7% lower than the national average, as retirement is all about living your best life.
» Golden Valley Homes for Sale: Browse through the cheapest houses in Arizona.
4. Marana
- Median House Rent: $2,126
- Median Home Value: $437,173
- Cost of Living: 3% cheaper than the national average.
Marana is a luxury option for retirees, with a median home value more than 400K. The cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, and healthcare costs are 11% lower, ensuring top-quality hospitals.
You can enjoy Tortolita Preserve for hiking or relax at Marana Heritage River Park. These combined factors make Marana an ideal place for a luxurious yet affordable retirement lifestyle.
» Marana Homes for Sale: Search properties in this cheapest place to live in AZ.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Arizona?
If you want to move to Arizona, you will find cheap houses for sale in Arizona under 200K in cities like Douglas, San Luis, and Golden Valley. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Arizona cities.
Cities like Tucson and Marana are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Arizona.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Arizona’s most accurate home value estimator.
📢 Check Out Budget-Friendly Homes for Sale in Arizona
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in AZ.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
Find an Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in Arizona on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in Arizona’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on five parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Grand Canyon State:
- Zillow[1]: Median House Price, Rental Price
- Bestplaces.net[2] : Cost of Living
- U.S. Census Bureau[3]: Median Household Income
- Arizona Demographics[4]: Population
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to live in Arizona?
The cheapest city in Arizona to live is Douglas. It offers affordable housing, which is 60.1% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Arizona.
Where is the best place to live in Arizona?
The best place to live in Arizona is Gilbert, followed by Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Chandler. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Peoria and Prescott also feature among the best places to live in Arizona.
Is Arizona expensive to live in?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $424,842. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
What are the living expenses in Arizona?
The living expenses in Arizona are 10% higher than the national average. However, healthcare and transportation are cheaper than the national average, 4% and 1% respectively.
