So you’re looking to move to Arizona — home of the Grand Canyon, the Phoenix Suns, and gorgeous Sedona sunsets?
We’re excited for you! However, before you sell your winter coats and buy a dozen solar panels, let’s dig in and check out the cost of living.
Arizona Housing Costs
Arizona home prices in June of 2020 sat at a median of $385,000, 13% greater than the national median. The median monthly rent during that same time, however, sat at 1% lower than the national median at $1,200.
The stats are pretty favorable for a majority of the country, though Arizona is a large state, and prices vary depending on the area you choose to move to. In Flagstaff, total housing costs are 36% greater than the national average while they are 18% lower in places like Surprise.
Utilities
Arizonians pay a bit more for utilities than the majority of states for energy use. With 112-degree temperatures during the summer, running the AC all day is a must.
In Lake Havasu, which sits on the border of California, utility costs run about 63% higher than the national average, while utility costs in Bullhead city are around 14% less than the national average.
Groceries
Fry’s grocery stores are among the most popular supermarkets in Arizona. Compared to the national average, prices at these supermarkets don’t stray too far. In fact, grocery bills in Lake Havasu, Phoenix, and Yuma, are only 1% lower and higher than the national average.
Transportation
Life on the highway is a bit different in Arizona compared to many places. Compared to the rest of the United States, gas prices and car maintenance tend to run about 8% higher on average. However, in places like Flagstaff, residents can expect to pay 22% more.
Arizona is a very large state. In fact, it is the sixth-largest state in the U.S. This means that you are bound to have some longer drives whenever you get out of your neighborhood. One of the best ways to reduce your overall transportation costs is by getting the best insurance coverage.
Health Care
Health care in Arizona costs about 14% lower than the national average in places like Surprise and about 10% greater than the national average in places like Flagstaff.
Taxes
Arizona sits right in the middle when it comes to taxes. Residents pay anywhere between 2.5% on the low end and 4.5% on the high end. One major downside to living in Arizona is having to deal with sales tax, which hovers around 8.4%.
Arizona has the 11th highest sales tax rate in the country.
Ready for an Arizona Move?
If the costs look right to you and you’re ready to move out to Arizona, your next step is to get rid of your existing home. While there are many ways you could go about doing it, we recommend taking the easy route and selling to a company like National Cash Offer.
We help homeowners get the money they need quickly by offering closings within as little as two weeks. Make sure to get in touch with us to learn more.