Arizona is a state in the Western United States.
This state is the 6th largest and the 14th most populous of the 50 states.
Arizona is always warm, and there is plenty of wonderful sunshine.
Besides, The Grand Canyon State (nickname for Arizona) offers incredible geographical features, including petrified wood and entertainment happenings ranging from museums to professional sports games, bars, and restaurants.
Everything of that sounds great, but what about the cost of living in Arizona?
Do not worry!
We have described it all, from housing costs to fitness costs, and furthermore, we have listed the top five most expensive cities in this state.
Keep reading, and you will find everything you need to know about the cost of living in this state!
Contents
Is Arizona a Good State for Living?
To answer this question, you are usually questioning yourself about the costs of living.
Exactly, what are the utilities for monthly basics, and what are the costs of fascinating things to do in this state?
Utilities in Arizona are a bit more expensive than utilities anywhere else in America.
On average, Arizonians pay a little higher than most cities in America for utilities like energy and phone use.
Of course, they vary wildly, depending on how much you use electricity and gas, the size of your home, and of course, what time of year.
As for food costs in supermarkets, the average Arizona resident spends $3,792 on their grocery bill yearly.
This expense increases to $11,106 for a family of four.
But, in this state, loyalty program memberships, coupon-clipping, and shopping sales are very trendy, which leads to incredible savings on every trip.
Restaurants’ costs are from $57 to $97, which are not very costly prices.
Besides, there is a vibrant restaurant scene in Arizona as well, with a Spanish and Mexican influence.
Who will keep in mind the prices for tasty burritos, chimichangas, margaritas, and tacos, anyway?
Housing Costs
The average home price in Arizona is nearly 13% higher than the national average prices.
Given that, Arizona is considered an affordable destination for renters.
Transportation Costs
One of the biggest cons of living in Arizona is the plenty of variations of the public transportation system.
But the prices are incredibly high.
For example, a one-day pass costs $4.00 for basic bus service.
Express/RAPID transit options are a bit more active and have more straightforward routes.
For a day pass, you’ll spend $7.50 while exclusive rural routes come in at $4.00.
Healthcare Costs
Arizona resident spends $2,763 on medical costs annually, while a family of four spends $7,455.
Unfortunately, healthcare expenses can get costly in Arizona, but they are a necessity.
Fitness Costs
Are you looking to stay fit in Arizona?
Then, you have options.
Although many citizens take advantage of the warm weather throughout the year by exercising outdoors, there are many indoor choices.
For example, yoga or a gym is the perfect option for indoor activities, but the prices are not on a budget.
The monthly cost of a gym membership is from $19.62 to $33.39.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Phoenix
This city really has everything you need to be happy and more.
A phenomenal outdoor environment, warm weather, and tons of entertainment options make Phoenix a premier city for living.
That’s why so many people moved to Phoenix’s substantial population growth over the years.
When it comes to affordability, Phoenix is in the first place among the most expensive cities in this state.
To enumerate, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,942, and a two-bedroom apartment will generally run about $2,194.
Second, a single adult in Phoenix pays $2,763 for healthcare costs annually.
Lastly, fitness prices jumped rapidly.
So, if you prefer a more structured approach to fitness, a single adult pays, on average, $34 per month for a gym.
Tucson
In Tucson, the rent prices are the same as in Phoenix.
But when it comes to shopping and going out, it is another story.
Here, a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $50.84.
As for shopping, Tucson is home to many fine shopping malls and centers.
So, there is no doubt that you can find everything that you need here.
But, if you are willing to pay higher prices, then it is ok.
For example, one pair of jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) are around $50, while one pair of Nike running shoes (Mid-Range) is $89.18.
While in other cities you can find a dress for $20, in Tucson that is incredible to see.
Тhe cheapest regular women dress(from H&M) is from $25 up.
Mesa
The price for rent One bedroom apartment Downtown is $1207, and the utility bill for one person(with electricity, heating, and water included) is $105.
What determines this city the most expensive city in Arizona is high transportation costs and unusual prices for groceries in supermarkets.
Accordingly, a loaf of bread in a supermarket is more than $3.50, a gallon of milk – $2.10, and one carton of eggs is $2.10.
Chandler
Chandler is in Maricopa County and is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
Living in Chandler offers residents to be part of excellent choices of park programs.
As a result of that, exactly these costs are the most expensive.
The average rent in Chandler is $1.482 for a one-bedroom apartment, while a three-bedroom home rents for $1.950.
Furthermore, in this city, you can pay enormously $15 for one cinema ticket.
In the end, to add, food costs are the same as in Mesa.
Gilbert
Gilbert‘s housing expenses are 35% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 4% lower than the national average.
For example, the average home price is $469,852, while the average rent is $1,472 per month.
But, in this city, transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average.
That is so because of the price for a one-gallon gas – $2.39.
Moreover, a doctor’s visit costs almost $110, and a dentist’s visit is above $95.
Arizona Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Arizona Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in California Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Alaska Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Montana Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Oklahoma Cities: These Are the Top 5
Living in Arizona offers plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities, but the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.