2023 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in the Phoenix Area

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.03 out of 5  37 reviews

Niche User: I kniw putting 5 stars on a town you've not lived in mightcseem strange but after having read about it, it sounds wonderful. Some reviews clamor for entertainment fir kids and teens but Americans during previous NORMAL generations entertained themselves, it was called using your mind, hobbies, Boy Scouts, hiking, building small projects, make a kite and fly it,, wood craving,, self reliance,, growing food. We learn till we die. WHO on God's green earth wants the heartache, electronic mindless syndrome of city mania along with trouble and traffic. Drive to Phoenix if you want that. GOD bless.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C minus

• grade B

• Population 13,347

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  55 reviews

Current Resident: I would like to see more affordable housing available for senior citizens and low income families. There are not enough resources for the homeless community and absolutely no kind of housing for the homeless. AJ has no shelter or safe parking areas for the homeless and vulnerable community.... Read 55 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• grade B

• Population 38,311

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 5,334

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.28 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Having lived in Florence, AZ a relatively long time of 24 years, we have seen much happen here, largely for the better despite the encroachment of new housing developments. Florence, being a county seat town, home to the state prison, private prisons, a copper mine, etc. offers fairly decent employment. The town is inundated each winter with winter visitors who flee in April yet boost the economy. Several retirees call Florence home now, many of whom, are "snowbirds." The town endorses childrens sports, town events, parades on old Main Street, etc., and is an ideallic town to raise a family. Bill/Linda... Read 32 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 25,356

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  175 reviews

Current Resident: Casa Grande has a very diverse and safe family environment. I enjoy the fact that it is a smaller city within short distances of larger ones such as Phoenix. There are a lot of restaurants and plenty of stores to visit including supermarkets, cafes, and retail stores. Although it may seem small, Casa Grande is a growing city with a lot of opportunity!... Read 175 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 53,488

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Visitor: Fun place, lots of decent people, not very diverse, very clean with lots of various facilities. The schools aren't that great and lack much flexibility as a whole. Very few accidents or dangerous situations that I know of. Not much going on at night. A lot of families and children of varying ages. Very quick and easy to get around. Decent amount of stores and shops around.... Read 6 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 44,489

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.53 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Maryvale is community that has many resources for everyone. We have a lot recreational areas for the community to have a great time. Many people visit out public parks to spend a nice day from playing basketball, to walking their dogs. Also we have many dinning options to have a nice dinner with family and friends. Many generous people sponsor nice events, from health campaigns to fun activities or carnivals. I work at a school, and our parents are very committed to create a nice school community atmosphere. Maryvale is such a nice place to live.... Read 19 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Population 190,127

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Legacy golf course community is amazing! Neighbors are long time residents - mostly transplants from east coast, California, and Midwest and very friendly. Gated, Mountain View’s, beautiful properties, close to all amenities near 24th and Baseline. 10 minutes from airport and 18-22 min from downtown Phoenix- what more could you ask for?!... Read 15 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Population 79,500

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: It's a great place to live and raise a family! It's a quickly growing area with many lovely restaurants and shopping nearby, and a wonderful community of people. Parks with splash pads and fishing ponds are close, and Lake Pleasant is just a short drive away.... Read 15 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade C+

• Population 37,693

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  110 reviews

Current Resident: It’s becoming very urban, I think if there was more HOA or guidelines on people’s property it would look very uniformed but that’s what makes it nice in diversity. Some people have red or blue houses while others have tan and brown.... Read 110 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade C+

• Population 35,410

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  320 reviews

Current Resident: I love Buckeye! I moved here a few years ago, so I'm still relatively new, but I enjoyed the farm life, the greenery, the quietness, and the overall rural vibe of it all. Recently, though, the land has been replaced by houses and such, and that's fine and dandy (though I will miss the fields), but I think they should be plotting stores instead. They should also be working on widening the roads. They have so many homes being built, and are keeping the roads narrow? That won't do. Overall, Buckeye is fantastic, but I enjoyed it better before the pandemic.... Read 320 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 89,711

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Gold Canyon is the first place I've lived where I truly feel at home. Looking out over the majestic Superstition Mountains gives me a true feeling of peace. This area is truly magical. Gold Canyon is a small community where people really care about each other, where neighbors helping neighbors is the norm and not the exception. People wave to each other and say Howdy, it really does take you back to a slower time. The wildlife is also abundant and it's not uncommon to have javelina, deers, bobcats, quail, or any number of other creatures stopping by to say hello. Were are a dark-skies community so you can actually see the beauty of the night sky with the starry shining in all their glory. I can't imagine living anywhere else after experiencing the joy this place brings me.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• grade C+

• Population 11,233

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  143 reviews

Current Resident: The area is clean and well kept. It has a small town feel of friendly people and local businesses. The crime rate is very low and has a nice police presence. There is also a wonderful city recreational facility for many activities for the locals to do. The city also puts on additional events such as: food truck festivals, fun runs, block parties. I am not favoring the schools within the city. They are many negative factors with the schools such as: lack of discipline, education is low, teachers are unresponsive, and there are lockdown issues. The roads coming into and out of the city are in horrible condition. They are many potholes and cracks in the asphalt. There is also only one way in from the major city, Phoenix. This causes many delays going to and coming from the small city. So getting home from work can at times increase from 15 minutes and about an hour.... Read 143 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 57,075

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Affordable, peaceful, very safe. No kids! Yes. Adult community; very well kept. Not so much conservative as one thought. Diversity is starting to flow into town. Great to relax, play some golf, swim.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 26,354

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: The location is perfect! Easy access to all major freeways, shops all around but isn't too noisy. Safe people and a great area for children!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 177,174

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 120,837

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: New River is a great area with plenty of open space. It is far away from major roads, so there is not loud street noise. Neighbors are friendly but large areas of land mean that you aren't exactly close to them. The downside about living in New River is the commute. Because the area is so secluded, it is a bit of a drive to any area of significance. If you like being out of the hustle and bustle of the city and like your privacy or seclusion then New River might be right for you. As long as you can live with commuting to work, and wherever else you may need to go than living in New Rivers quite, safe and open area is perfect for you.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade C+

• Population 17,731

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  840 reviews

Current Resident: I love that Glendale is a good location in between vibrant cities like Phoenix and Peoria. I love the beautiful mountainous views that can be seen from all different angles! I would like to see Glendale host more activities for the communities. Some activities could include sports challenges, picnics, and hiking. I love how the state fair brings people all over the state together and I would love for small events to be held in Glendale as well! Glendale should also promote recycling, as the world needs to become more eco-friendly!... Read 840 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 245,685

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  192 reviews

Current Resident: I love the people in this city and how kind everyone is! San Tan Valley/Queen Creek is becoming more and more populated, which to me, is the only negative thing about this city.... Read 192 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 96,127

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,608 reviews

Current Resident: Mesa is a large suburb outside the central city of Phoenix. However, unlike most suburbs it’s not just housing there is more entertainment spots than you would think. Mesa has been previously ranked as one of the most boring places to live but after living in other places like Aurora, Colorado I cannot understand that how that is true. Mesa offers a lot of nice housing, although there are some not so nice parts, for the most part it offers some really nice homes. Mesa also has multiple malls, small hikes, a water park, multiple entertainment places like fat cats, dog parks, mini-golf, and many other entertainment places to keep the city fun. Mesa also has downtown Tempe (mill avenue), downtown Scottsdale and downtown Gilbert, within a 20 minute drive. All these places offer a great night out. I believe Mesa is reasonably priced relative to other areas in Arizona, has everything you need as far as grocery stores and is more fun than most suburbs.... Read 1,608 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade C+

• Population 497,752

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I love living here and have no regrets about buying a house. We are an unincorporated city which means things run a little differently. The biggest perq is no HOA and no city property taxes. It's pretty quiet but there are coyotes... but they were here first so no complaining! We have several parks in a tiny area, including a duck pond you can fish in, a dog park, and a playground with basketball courts. Most people are pretty friendly. There is some crime but that is in all of Phoenix and it's nothing violent. We are removed enough to have some peace and quiet and see stars, but we are still very close to shopping and restaurants. We also have several long-term care facilities in the area for those needing work close by. Banner Boswell is very close as well, definitely within biking distance and the Surprise shops are a 10 min drive up Grand Ave.... Read 21 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 6,908

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  89 reviews

Current Resident: Laveen has more of a sense of community than anywhere I’ve lived before. Close to downtown Phoenix, but also close to orchards, mountains, and farmland! There is some crime on the side by South Phoenix, but we’re working with local officials to end it.... Read 89 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 36,730

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,893 reviews

Current Resident: Safe and beautiful! Clean neighborhoods, well-maintained streets with mountains in the backdrop makes driving in Arizona quite breathtaking. Nice people, good place to raise a family. However, the weather is terrible in the summer, reaching 100 F for several days. Traffic is bad, the drivers aren't very good, and there's just so many people here that everyone goes to the same "fun" things on the weekends.... Read 1,893 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 1,591,119

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  337 reviews

Former Resident: Avondale is a fantastic city if you desire some peace. With a mix of farmland and sprawling neighborhoods, Avondale has provided me a safe place to live. There are also seasonal events that are a blast to go to! Such as the city fair or Nascar season when it takes place at Phoenix International Raceway (yes, the name says Phoenix, but it is technically within Avondale's boundaries.... Read 337 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 88,065

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: A wonderful Community! Very Friendly and inviting. Many hiking trails and parks. Schools are great and plenty of shopping nearby.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 161,038