10 Cheapest Cities in Arizona in 2025 (Homes Under $300K!)
July 30, 2025
6 minutes
Thinking of moving to Arizona but worried about prices? You can still buy a home here for under $170K—and some cities are cheaper (and safer) than you’d expect.
In 2025, the cheapest places to live in Arizona aren't just budget-friendly—they're also fiber-ready, family-safe, and future-proof. From remote-worker havens like Douglas to growing commuter towns like Eloy, you’ll find 10 cities where affordability meets livability.
Bonus: 3 cities still have homes under $200K—but competition is rising fast.
Let’s break down Arizona’s most affordable ZIP codes—before they get priced out.
Cheapest Cities in Arizona (2025)
City | Median Home Price | Cost of Living (% Below US Avg) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Douglas | $165,619 | 15.2% | Retirees, Remote Workers |
Winslow | $191,517 | 12% | Route 66 Lovers, Small Town Fans |
Globe | $225,580 | 10% | Outdoor Lovers, History Buffs |
San Luis | $241,460 | 9% | Families, First-Time Buyers |
Golden Valley | $246,912 | 7% | Off-Grid Seekers, Nature Fans |
Yuma | $257,870 | 9% | Job Seekers, Sun Lovers |
Sierra Vista | $262,579 | 7% | Military Families, Birders |
Eloy | $263,998 | 13% | Phoenix/Tucson Commuters |
Kingman | $271,725 | 7% | Retirees, Vegas Commuters |
Coolidge | $287,637 | 10% | Young Families, Growth Investors |
Bonus: All 10 cities are under $290K with room for appreciation.
Looking for the most affordable city in Arizona right now? Douglas, AZ takes the crown in 2025. Nestled on the Mexican border, this small town blends old-school charm with unbeatable prices—making it the cheapest place to live in Arizona with homes still under $170K.
And it’s not just cheap—it’s livable. With 15.2% lower cost of living than the national average, low property taxes, and strong fiber internet, Douglas is a hidden gem for remote workers, retirees, and first-time buyers.
Why Move to Douglas, AZ?
- Lowest home prices in Arizona — median around $165,000
- Cost of living 15% below U.S. average
- Quiet, safe neighborhoods ideal for retirees and families
- Fiber-ready for remote workers and online business owners
- Charming downtown with historic architecture and border-town flair
- No social security tax — major win for retirees
Find the Perfect Mortgage in Arizona with Be My Neighbor.
Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Douglas - AZ, The Most Affordable Places to Live in Arizona
If you're searching for affordable cities in Arizona that are also safe, San Luis should be on your radar. Tucked near the California border and just minutes from Yuma, San Luis offers something rare in 2025: low home prices, low crime rates, and family-friendly neighborhoods—all in one place.
In fact, it’s one of the cheapest and safest places to live in Arizona, especially for families, first-time buyers, and anyone tired of big-city stress but still wanting modern amenities and a strong community vibe.
San Luis, AZ?
- Affordable homes under $250,000 — new builds available!
- Crime rate significantly lower than state averages
- Safe streets, family parks, and growing school districts
- 10% below the U.S. average cost of living
- Bilingual, diverse community with strong cultural roots
- Short commute to Yuma for jobs in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics
Want more cities that balance safety and affordability?
Check out Safest Cities to Live in North Carolina for comparisons.
Bonus: It’s one of the few cities where you can still find brand-new homes under $250K in 2025
Globe — Arizona’s Most Affordable Mountain Town with Scenic Views
If you’re dreaming of a cheap mountain town in Arizona that doesn’t feel like a ghost town, Globe delivers. In 2025, this historic copper mining town is one of the most affordable small towns in Arizona, with homes starting under $230K, dramatic mountain views, and a thriving, artsy downtown.
Globe is where affordability meets charm—making it a top pick for retirees, creatives, remote workers, and outdoor lovers looking for low housing costs without giving up beauty or culture.
Why Move to Globe, AZ?
- Affordable homes in a scenic mountain setting
- Cost of living ~10% below U.S. average
- Historic downtown with vintage shops, local eats, and events
- Close to lakes, hiking trails, and the Tonto National Forest
- Fiber internet available — great for remote workers or online businesses
- Ideal for those seeking a quiet, creative lifestyle without high costs
Want more towns like Globe with small-town charm and affordability?
Explore Affordable Cities to Live in Colorado for mountainous comparisons.
Extra Insight: Globe offers a rare combo—walkable historic town, access to nature, and Arizona’s lowest home prices this close to Phoenix and the White Mountains.
Sierra Vista — Arizona’s Safest Affordable City for Military Families & Remote Work
Looking for a safe, affordable city in Arizona with real job stability? Sierra Vista checks every box in 2025. Tucked in southern Arizona, it’s home to Fort Huachuca, which powers a stable government economy, steady housing demand, and excellent schools.
This makes Sierra Vista one of the most affordable and safest cities in Arizona—a rare combo of low crime, livable costs, and real employment opportunities.
It’s not just for military families, either. Thanks to high-speed internet and mild weather, Sierra Vista is also a rising hub for remote workers and retirees.
Why Move to Sierra Vista, AZ?
- Median home price ~ $262K — below national and state average
- Military-driven job market with federal and civilian roles
- Low crime rate + strong public schools
- Access to hospitals, trails, and canyons (great for retirees and families)
- Mild weather year-round (no brutal desert heat here)
- 20% cheaper cost of living vs. Scottsdale or Phoenix
Craving even safer, family-friendly cities like this?
Explore Safest Places to Live in Indiana for national comparisons.
Bonus: It's one of Arizona’s few low-crime cities with full infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods, and an airport.
Eloy — The Cheapest Fast-Growing City Near Phoenix (2025)
If you're hunting for the cheapest cities near Phoenix, Arizona, Eloy might be the biggest opportunity no one’s talking about yet. With homes under $265K, a cost of living 13% below the national average, and direct access to both Phoenix and Tucson, Eloy is exploding in 2025.
It’s a rare Arizona city where you still get affordability + growth potential—and it’s becoming a hotspot for first-time buyers, remote workers, and budget investors.
Why Move to Eloy, AZ?
- Home prices around $263K — among the lowest near Phoenix
- 13% lower cost of living than U.S. average
- New developments and infrastructure coming fast
- Commuter-friendly access to Phoenix and Tucson via I-10
- One of the few fast-growing, affordable cities in the Phoenix metro area
- Ideal for young families, remote workers, and budget-conscious investors
Want more fast-growing cities like Eloy?
Explore Top Affordable Places to Live in NJ Close to NYC for East Coast parallels.
Bonus: You’ll find brand-new construction and spec homes here—many with builder incentives and down payment assistance options.
Winslow — A Route 66 Gem with the Lowest Home Prices in Northern Arizona
If you've ever dreamed of living in a classic Route 66 town with seriously cheap real estate, Winslow, Arizona should be on your list. Famous for its “Standin’ on the Corner” moment and laid-back desert charm, Winslow is one of Arizona’s cheapest cities to live in 2025 — with median home prices around $191K.
But here’s what makes it a sleeper hit: Winslow offers small-town living with modern infrastructure, low utility bills, and some of the most affordable homes in northern Arizona — all just off I-40.
Why Move to Winslow, AZ?
- Median home price ~$191,517 — one of Arizona’s lowest
- 10–12% below national average cost of living
- Historic charm + real community feel
- Located on iconic Route 66 with strong tourism and rental potential
- Great for first-time buyers, retirees, or Route 66 fans
- Low property taxes and insurance — ideal for fixed-income buyers
Want more towns like Winslow with small-town soul and low prices?
Explore Most Affordable Places to Live in Michigan for Midwest alternatives.
Bonus: Winslow is attracting Airbnb interest due to its tourism traffic, making it a budget-friendly city with income potential.
Yuma — Arizona’s Sunniest City with Jobs and Affordable Homes
Want affordable living in Arizona without giving up job opportunities? Yuma is your city. Sitting near the California and Mexico borders, Yuma is one of Arizona’s most underrated economic hubs, offering affordable homes, steady employment, and the most sunshine in the U.S.
In 2025, Yuma’s job market is booming in agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and military, while housing stays well below metro prices. That’s rare. Combine that with homes under $260K, and it’s easy to see why Yuma ranks among Arizona’s best cities for affordability and employment.
Why Move to Yuma, AZ?
- Median home price ~$257,870 — budget-friendly for a job-rich city
- One of Arizona’s strongest job markets (agriculture, defense, healthcare)
- Low cost of living compared to Phoenix or Tucson
- Sunniest city in the U.S. — 300+ days of sunshine annually
- Excellent for families, remote workers, and dual-income households
- Growing inventory of affordable new builds and rentals
Looking for more job-friendly cities with affordable housing?
Check out Affordable Places to Live in Georgia for Eastern comparisons.
Bonus: Yuma’s stable job market makes it one of the safest bets for building equity on a working-class budget.
Kingman — Big Value Living Near Vegas Without the Nevada Price Tag
If you’re looking for affordable housing near Las Vegas without the chaos or cost, Kingman, Arizona is the hidden gem you’ve been missing. Nestled along I-40, Kingman offers big-city proximity with small-town affordability — making it one of the cheapest cities to live in Arizona in 2025 with homes under $275K.
It’s a favorite for retirees, California escapees, and Vegas commuters who want low prices, wide open spaces, and real value per square foot — all with a peaceful, desert-town feel.
Why Move to Kingman, AZ?
- Median home price ~$271,725 — far cheaper than Las Vegas or SoCal
- Only 1.5 hours from Las Vegas and minutes from Route 66
- Cost of living ~7% below national average
- Quiet neighborhoods with large lots, low property taxes, and low HOA fees
- Mild winters, scenic drives, and access to outdoor adventures
- Ideal for retirees, remote workers, and first-time buyers priced out of metro areas
Want more peaceful towns with big value like Kingman?
Check out Most Affordable Places to Live in Nevada for cross-border comparisons.
Bonus: Kingman is rising fast in search demand due to its balance of affordability, location, and livability — with many buyers calling it “Arizona’s last untapped goldmine.”
Coolidge — Arizona’s Fastest-Growing Affordable City for Families and Investors
If you’re chasing affordable new homes near Phoenix with real upside, Coolidge, AZ is your move. As one of the fastest-growing affordable cities in Arizona, Coolidge blends low home prices, new development incentives, and easy Phoenix commutes — making it ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and smart investors in 2025.
With a median home price under $290K, new builds popping up monthly, and major infrastructure projects underway, Coolidge is quickly transitioning from quiet town to next-big-thing suburbia.
Why Move to Coolidge, AZ?
- Median home price ~$287,637 — new builds under $300K
- Easy commute to Phoenix, Casa Grande, and Chandler
- Fastest-growing small city in Pinal County
- New home incentives, including down payment assistance and low-rate loans
- Perfect for families, commuters, and early-stage investors
- Lower property taxes and cost of living vs. Phoenix suburbs
Want more fast-growing, family-friendly cities under $300K?
Check out Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina for East Coast comparisons.
Bonus: Coolidge is also being eyed by solar and EV companies — meaning job growth + property appreciation is likely coming fast.
Golden Valley — Arizona’s Quiet Desert Haven for Off-Grid, Budget-Friendly Living
If you’ve been searching for a cheap desert town in Arizona that still offers space, peace, and investment potential — Golden Valley is it. Tucked between Kingman and Bullhead City, this hidden gem is perfect for off-grid living, RV owners, and buyers who want land, views, and freedom for under $250K.
Golden Valley is one of the most affordable places in Arizona for wide-open space, with low property taxes, no HOA, and plenty of homes on acreage. It’s desert living at its simplest—and smartest.
Why Move to Golden Valley, AZ?
- Median home price ~$246,912 — many properties under $230K
- Cost of living ~7% below national average
- Large desert lots, off-grid potential, and no HOA restrictions
- Close to Kingman, Bullhead City, and Laughlin NV
- Ideal for retirees, remote workers, RVers, and off-grid buyers
- Great option for land ownership under $250K — rare in Arizona now
Want more affordable off-grid towns like Golden Valley?
Explore Affordable Places to Live in Oregon for nature-rich alternatives.
Bonus: With rising demand for land ownership and alternative housing, Golden Valley is gaining attention among minimalists, tiny home builders, and land investors in 2025.
Is It Worth Buying a Home in Arizona in 2025?
Buying in Arizona in 2025 can save you thousands—if you choose the right city.
Yes, it’s still worth buying in Arizona this year—especially in cities like Coolidge, Eloy, and Douglas, where prices remain low but appreciation is trending up. Here’s why:
- Low inventory: Prices may rise soon in affordable towns
- No Social Security tax: Great for retirees
- Fast-growing metros: Places like Coolidge are expanding with job access nearby
- Remote work-ready: Many small towns are fiber-connected
Bottom Line:
Buy now in lower-cost cities before values catch up to Phoenix. You'll build equity and save more long term.
→ If you’re comparing with other Western states, see how Arizona stacks up against affordable cities to live in Colorado.
Pros and Cons of Living in Coolidge, 85128 AZ
Coolidge 85128 AZ, offers affordability and access, but it’s not for everyone.
Pros:
- Median home price under $290K
- New housing developments with incentives
- Easy commute to Phoenix
- Lower property taxes
Cons:
- Limited nightlife and entertainment
- Hot summers with high AC bills
- Still developing infrastructure
Verdict:
Coolidge is ideal for families and first-time buyers seeking affordability near opportunity. But it’s a better fit for peace-seekers than partygoers.
→ Looking for similar family-friendly cities with low crime? Explore the safest cities to live in North Carolina.
What Are the Hidden Gems for Cheap Living in Arizona?
Beyond the obvious picks, try these underrated cheap cities:
- Globe: Affordable homes + historic charm
- Golden Valley: Perfect for off-grid or RV lifestyles
- Winslow: Small-town vibes with Route 66 nostalgia
These cities offer low prices, community vibes, and room to grow—without the big-city costs.
These cities offer low prices, community vibes, and room to grow—without the big-city costs.
→ Explore similar budget-friendly cities in the Pacific Northwest in our guide to the most affordable places to live in Washington.
Find the Perfect Mortgage in Arizona with Be My Neighbor.
Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

What Is the Cheapest City to Live in Arizona in 2025?
Douglas, AZ tops the list as the cheapest city in Arizona, with homes under $170K and a cost of living 15% below the national average.
If you're searching for the cheapest place to live in Arizona — and want to beat the heat and the housing market — Douglas is your best bet.
Why Douglas, AZ Is #1 for Budget Buyers
- Median Home Price: $165,619
- Cost of Living: 15.2% below U.S. average
- Best For: Retirees, remote workers, investors
- Bonus: Strong fiber internet for remote work
Douglas isn't just affordable — it’s livable. Located on the Mexican border, this small city offers low property taxes, mild winters, and unbeatable entry prices for buyers.
Most Affordable (and Safest) Places to Live in Arizona
San Luis, Eloy, and Sierra Vista offer affordability with lower crime rates — a rare combo in 2025.
If you’re looking for safety and savings, these 3 cities strike the balance:
City | Median Home Price | Notable Benefit |
---|---|---|
San Luis | $241,460 | Young population, new builds |
Eloy | $263,998 | 13% below avg cost of living |
Sierra Vista | $262,579 | Low crime, military economy |
These aren’t just cheap — they’re safe, quiet, and family-friendly.
Arizona Cities With Homes Under $200K in 2025
Douglas, Winslow, and Golden Valley still have homes under $200,000 — but inventory is shrinking fast.
City | Home Price | Type of Buyer |
---|---|---|
Douglas | ~$165,000 | Retirees, budget buyers |
Winslow | ~$191,517 | Small-town lovers, commuters |
Golden Valley | ~$246,912 | Remote workers, off-grid fans |
Tip: Filter by ZIP code or pre-foreclosures to unlock hidden inventory.
Is Arizona Still Affordable in 2025?
Yes, but only if you avoid metro hotspots and target under-the-radar ZIP codes.
Arizona home prices in Phoenix and Scottsdale are climbing fast. But towns like Eloy, Douglas, and Coolidge still offer:
- Homes under $300K
- 10–15% lower cost of living
- New builds with incentives
- Remote work-ready infrastructure
Pro tip: Focus on ZIP codes like 85128 (Coolidge), 85607 (Douglas), and 85349 (San Luis) for the best mix of affordability + growth.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Arizona?
In affordable Arizona towns, a single person can live on $50K/year, and a family on $80K/year.
Here’s what it takes in cities like Eloy or San Luis:
- Rent or Mortgage: $800–$1,200
- Groceries: $350/month
- Gas + Car Insurance: $150/month
- Total Monthly Budget: ~$3,800
That’s over 20% less than national averages — and with reAlpha's rebate, you can lower your home-buying costs even more.
Your Arizona Home Is Waiting — For Less Than You Think
If you’ve been searching for the cheapest places to live in Arizona, you're not alone — and you’re closer than ever to making it happen.
Whether it’s the quiet charm of Douglas, the desert views of Eloy, or the small-town safety of Sierra Vista, there are still affordable homes for sale in Arizona — many under $200K. But they’re moving fast.
You don’t need a million-dollar budget to buy smart.
You just need the right partner.
Enter - reAlpha
When you buy your home with reAlpha, you can actually earn money back. Here's how:
- Work with a reAlpha Realty→ Get 25% of the buyer agent commission back
- Use our preferred mortgage → Get 50% back
- Close with reAlpha Title → Unlock the full 75% rebate
That’s thousands back in your pocket — just for choosing the smarter path.
Looking Beyond Arizona? Explore These Smart, Affordable Cities Across the U.S.
If you’re open to relocating—or just want to compare options—these handpicked cities across the country offer low home prices, safe neighborhoods, and strong growth potential in 2025.
Start with these trusted reAlpha guides:
- Want West Coast beauty without the cost? Try the Most Affordable Places to Live in Washington.
- For low-crime peace of mind, check out the Safest Places to Live in Georgia.
- See where to settle down with the Safest Places to Live in Florida.
- Finally, check out the Safest Places to Live in Pennsylvania for East Coast affordability meets suburban peace.
FAQs
What is the cheapest city to live in Arizona right now?
Douglas, AZ still tops the list with homes around $165,000 and a cost of living 15% below the U.S. average. But Winslow and Globe are gaining attention as equally affordable options in 2025.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Arizona?
Top contenders include:
- Douglas
- San Luis
- Eloy
- Coolidge
Each has homes under $270K and a lower-than-average cost of living.
Which city in Arizona has the lowest housing costs?
Douglas has the lowest home prices, but Winslow and Golden Valley offer budget-friendly homes under $200K with unique perks like Route 66 vibes and off-grid potential.
What are the best cheap cities in AZ for families?
- San Luis – Safe, new schools, and family-friendly
- Coolidge – Growing city with young families and new builds
- Eloy – Affordable and close to Phoenix jobs
Is Flagstaff an affordable place to live?
No—Flagstaff is one of the most expensive cities in Arizona, with home prices often over $500K. For cheaper mountain towns, consider Globe instead.
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Article by
As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.