Sam SmithArizona’s cost of living varies widely, from expensive metro areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona to smaller rural towns and outlying suburbs. This list highlights the 50 cheapest cities and towns in Arizona, ranked by housing affordability, overall living expenses, and cost relative to local incomes. Many of the most affordable places are in rural northern Arizona, border towns, and less densely populated suburbs, making them attractive for families, retirees, and individuals seeking a lower-cost lifestyle without completely leaving the state.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities And Towns In Arizona
1. San Carlos, Arizona
San Carlos, located on the San Carlos Apache Tribal lands, offers extremely low housing costs and a very affordable cost of living. The community is small and tightly-knit, with local services geared toward residents of the reservation. Employment opportunities are limited, mainly in tribal government, education, and small local businesses. While remote, the area provides a peaceful lifestyle and strong cultural traditions, making it attractive to those seeking low-cost living with a focus on community and heritage.
2. Guadalupe, Arizona
Guadalupe is a small town near Tempe, known for its affordability and close-knit community. Housing prices are well below the Phoenix metro average, and daily expenses are manageable. The town has a rich Mexican heritage, visible in festivals, local cuisine, and cultural centers. While jobs are more limited compared to larger cities, residents benefit from proximity to Phoenix for work and amenities. Guadalupe offers a blend of low-cost living, cultural vibrancy, and access to urban conveniences nearby.
3. El Mirage, Arizona
El Mirage is a west Phoenix suburb with highly affordable housing and moderate living costs. It is primarily residential with some industrial and retail areas providing local employment opportunities. Its proximity to the greater Phoenix metro area allows easy access to city jobs, shopping, and healthcare. The community is diverse and growing, with parks and recreational areas available for residents. El Mirage appeals to families, first-time homebuyers, and those seeking a cost-effective entry into suburban living near a major urban center.
4. Tolleson, Arizona
Tolleson, located in the southwest Phoenix metro area, is an industrial and residential town with low housing costs and cost of living. The local economy is dominated by warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing, providing job opportunities within the town. Residents enjoy a small-town feel while being close to Phoenix’s urban amenities. Tolleson’s affordability and strategic location make it ideal for workers in the West Valley seeking a balance of low living expenses, suburban convenience, and proximity to employment hubs.
5. Globe, Arizona
Globe is a historic mining town in Gila County with very affordable housing and low general living costs. Its economy is centered on mining, tourism, and local services. The town is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes, offering outdoor recreation like hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Globe has a small but vibrant community, with essential services, schools, and local businesses. Its combination of low housing costs, scenic surroundings, and small-town lifestyle attracts families, retirees, and individuals seeking affordability in a regional Arizona setting.
6. Miami, Arizona
Miami, near Globe, is a small mining town with low housing costs and affordable living expenses. Historically reliant on copper mining, the town provides a quiet, regional lifestyle with close access to Globe for additional services and amenities. Miami features historic architecture, local shops, and outdoor recreational opportunities in surrounding hills. The town’s low cost of living, combined with a slower pace of life, makes it appealing to retirees, remote workers, and those looking for an affordable base in central Arizona’s rural communities.
7. Safford, Arizona
Safford, in rural southeastern Arizona, is known for its affordable housing and very reasonable living costs. The economy revolves around agriculture, education, and local services. Safford provides residents with schools, healthcare, and recreational amenities, including nearby mountains and rivers for outdoor activities. Its small-town charm, low expenses, and slower pace make it attractive to families, retirees, and those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle away from Arizona’s expensive metro areas. Safford combines affordability with a sense of community and regional convenience.
8. Thatcher, Arizona
Thatcher, adjacent to Safford, is a small town with very low housing costs and an affordable cost of living. Home to Eastern Arizona College, the town benefits from education-related employment and a youthful community vibe. Residents enjoy quiet neighborhoods, parks, and recreational opportunities in nearby mountains and rivers. Thatcher’s affordability and small-town charm attract families, students, and retirees looking for low-cost living combined with access to educational institutions and a supportive, community-focused environment in southeastern Arizona.
9. Somerton, Arizona
Somerton, near Yuma in southwestern Arizona, is an agricultural town with very affordable housing and a low cost of living. The local economy revolves around farming, distribution, and small businesses. Somerton offers essential services, schools, and community facilities, though residents often travel to Yuma for broader employment or shopping options. Its warm climate, low expenses, and strong sense of community make it appealing for families, retirees, and agricultural workers seeking an affordable base in Arizona’s farming region.
10. San Luis, Arizona
San Luis, a border town near Yuma, provides extremely low housing costs and affordable living relative to Arizona standards. The local economy centers on agriculture, cross-border trade, and service industries. While amenities are more limited than in larger cities, residents have access to essential services and community resources. San Luis attracts families, retirees, and workers seeking low-cost living near the U.S.–Mexico border. Its combination of affordability, strategic location, and agricultural employment opportunities make it one of Arizona’s cheapest towns to live in.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities/Towns in Arizona
| # | City/Town | County/Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Carlos | Apache County | Tribal land, extremely low home prices |
| 2 | Guadalupe | Maricopa County | Small town, lower incomes, affordable |
| 3 | El Mirage | Maricopa County | West Valley Phoenix suburb, low housing costs |
| 4 | Tolleson | Maricopa County | Industrial Phoenix suburb, affordable |
| 5 | Globe | Gila County | Historic mining town, very cheap |
| 6 | Miami | Gila County | Mining town near Globe, low costs |
| 7 | Safford | Graham County | Rural southeastern AZ, low housing prices |
| 8 | Thatcher | Graham County | Next to Safford, college town |
| 9 | Somerton | Yuma County | Agricultural community, very affordable |
| 10 | San Luis | Yuma County | Border town, extremely low cost of living |
| 11 | Wellton | Yuma County | Rural town, inexpensive housing |
| 12 | Douglas | Cochise County | Border city, affordable homes |
| 13 | Bisbee | Cochise County | Historic mining town, quirky, low costs |
| 14 | Nogales | Santa Cruz County | Border city, low living expenses |
| 15 | Winslow | Navajo County | Route 66 town, cheap housing |
| 16 | Holbrook | Navajo County | Gateway to Petrified Forest, low costs |
| 17 | Snowflake | Navajo County | Rural town, affordable |
| 18 | Taylor | Navajo County | Adjacent to Snowflake, low prices |
| 19 | Show Low | Navajo County | White Mountains town, moderate costs |
| 20 | Pinetop-Lakeside | Navajo County | Nearby Show Low, mountain living |
| 21 | St. Johns | Apache County | Rural, very affordable |
| 22 | Springerville | Apache County | Eastern AZ, low cost of living |
| 23 | Coolidge | Pinal County | Between Phoenix & Tucson, affordable |
| 24 | Casa Grande | Pinal County | Growing city, moderate prices |
| 25 | Maricopa | Pinal County | Rapid growth, still cheaper than Phoenix |
| 26 | Apache Junction | Pinal County | East Phoenix suburb, modest housing costs |
| 27 | Buckeye | Maricopa County | Fast-growing West Valley, new builds lower cost |
| 28 | Queen Creek (older areas) | Maricopa County | Affordable compared to East Valley |
| 29 | Florence | Pinal County | Historic/prison town, low living costs |
| 30 | Kearny | Gila County | Mining town near Globe |
| 31 | Clifton | Greenlee County | Small rural town, very cheap |
| 32 | Morenci | Greenlee County | Mining town near Clifton |
| 33 | Payson | Gila County | Rim country town, moderate affordability |
| 34 | Prescott Valley | Yavapai County | Cheaper than Prescott |
| 35 | Dewey-Humboldt | Yavapai County | Rural suburb, reasonable prices |
| 36 | Chino Valley | Yavapai County | North of Prescott, still affordable |
| 37 | Kingman | Mohave County | Route 66 town, low cost living |
| 38 | Lake Havasu City | Mohave County | Relative to resort towns, moderate costs |
| 39 | Bullhead City | Mohave County | Colorado River town, affordable for retirees |
| 40 | Page | Coconino County | Tourism-based, lower housing than Flagstaff |
| 41 | Williams | Coconino County | Gateway to Grand Canyon, small-town prices |
| 42 | Flagstaff outskirts | Coconino County | Areas like Mountainaire & Doney Park cheaper than city |
| 43 | Tucson outskirts | Pima County | South Tucson, Drexel Heights, affordable |
| 44 | Phoenix outskirts | Maricopa County | Laveen, Maryvale, lower-cost neighborhoods |
| 45 | Yuma | Yuma County | Overall affordable city |
| 46 | Goodyear (older areas) | Maricopa County | Pockets still reasonable |
| 47 | Avondale | Maricopa County | West Valley, moderate affordability |
| 48 | Mesa (some neighborhoods) | Maricopa County | Large city, varied affordability |
| 49 | Tempe (older areas) | Maricopa County | Selective affordable neighborhoods |
| 50 | Phoenix (certain ZIPs like 85009) | Maricopa County | Central city pockets with lower home prices |
Closing
While affordability is a major draw, cheaper Arizona towns often come with trade-offs, such as limited employment opportunities, fewer amenities, and greater distances to healthcare or education. Prospective residents should consider climate, services, and growth trends alongside housing costs. Overall, Arizona offers a wide spectrum of affordable living options for those willing to balance cost savings with lifestyle preferences, from remote rural towns to lower-cost neighborhoods on the outskirts of major cities.