Cost of Living in Phoenix

If you’re considering a move to Phoenix, you’ll need to calculate your projected monthly expenses to establish whether the cost of living in Phoenix makes financial sense for you and your family. The cost of living in Phoenix is roughly 5 to 10 percent higher than the US national average, and it is far lower than in coastal cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. Phoenix isn’t necessarily considered an expensive city, and its quality of life is a major draw for newcomers.

The one expense that catches newcomers off guard is summer cooling: you’ll need to pay far more for electricity from roughly June to September, when the air conditioning runs almost nonstop. On the plus side, Arizona has one of the lowest flat state income tax rates in the country, and property taxes are low too, so higher earners in particular keep more of their pay.

Most people in Phoenix can afford to live fairly well on an average salary. Weigh the cost of living against your likely income and your household’s needs before you commit.

Cost of accommodation in Phoenix

The cost of accommodation in Phoenix is around 15 percent higher than the national average and will usually take up the largest portion of your monthly budget. You’ll find that homes here tend to be good value on size and quality, although some residents feel the city is no longer the bargain it once was.

Investors see strong potential in Phoenix, and developers have kept building across the city as a result. Phoenix’s population is still growing, and a wave of new apartments has helped keep rents in check.

Renting Accommodation in Phoenix

Cost of transport in Phoenix

Although public transport fares in Phoenix are lower than in US cities with more developed networks, you’ll find the system useful only along certain corridors. Valley Metro has extended the light rail and added service, but many residents still find the public transport infrastructure inadequate.

Taxi fares in Phoenix have become more competitive since ride-hailing services took hold in the city. Still, it’s not practical to rely on taxis every day, given the long distances you’ll likely have to cover in Phoenix.

Most Phoenix residents own a car, and one is close to essential for getting around here. The average Phoenix commute is around 30 minutes each way, and petrol, insurance, maintenance, and registration soon add up.

Public Transport and Driving in Phoenix

Cost of groceries in Phoenix

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of groceries in Phoenix, buy seasonal produce and avoid brand names and imported products, as these tend to be pricier. Buying in bulk at national wholesale retailers like Costco is another way to save on groceries. WinCo Foods and Aldi are widely regarded as the most affordable supermarket options in Phoenix. Fry’s, the largest grocery chain in the area, also has competitive prices. For more premium speciality products, shops such as AJ’s Fine Foods are popular among Phoenix residents.

For the freshest produce at reasonable prices, visit one of the farmers’ markets run by Arizona Community Farmers Markets.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Phoenix

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Phoenix largely depends on your lifestyle. Even on a tight budget, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, whether you’re into the arts, live music, nightlife, or the local food scene.

Your family can enjoy many of the city’s attractions at little to no cost. Phoenix’s famously sunny weather is made for the outdoors, and you can spend days exploring the city’s gardens, parks, reserves, and hiking trails. Desert hikes are among the most popular free activities for locals and visitors alike. The Phoenix Art Museum has free admission on First Fridays and lets you pay what you wish on Wednesdays. The Heard Museum has its own free days on First Fridays and at other points through the year.

Although Phoenix’s culinary scene has grown steadily, it is remarkably unpretentious. The number of fine-dining restaurants is relatively small compared to cities with stronger gastronomic traditions, such as New York or Los Angeles, but you can eat well for a reasonable price.

Lifestyle in Phoenix

Cost of education in Phoenix

Parents may need to factor in the cost of their children’s education in Phoenix. Many of these costs will depend on which schooling option they choose.

Phoenix has some excellent public schools, and its charter and magnet schools are free to attend too. BASIS charter schools in Phoenix regularly top the national rankings. Great Hearts Academies is another highly ranked charter network, so you have solid alternatives to traditional public schools.

The city also has several private schools that offer smaller class sizes and a different teaching approach, along with a greater scope in areas like sports, art, drama, and music. Private school fees can be high, especially once you add in extras like uniforms, textbooks, extracurriculars, and field trips.

Arizona has well-established systems to support students with special needs and disabilities at no extra cost to their families. Arizona’s Exceptional Student Services ensures that public education agencies comply with federal requirements and maintain quality standards across schools. If you choose to add private tutoring outside the public system, you’ll foot the bill yourself.

Education and Schools in Phoenix

Cost of healthcare in Phoenix

The cost of healthcare in Phoenix is a bit below the national average, one of the few categories where you’ll pay less here than elsewhere in the US. As the state capital, Phoenix has become a major healthcare hub and has some of the state’s leading cancer and cardiac centres.

While you’ll have access to excellent healthcare as a Phoenix resident, quality care doesn’t come cheap, despite that lower-than-average index. Before relocating, you should investigate the different health insurance plans available. If you’re moving to Phoenix for a lucrative job offer, try to negotiate a medical insurance contribution into your employment contract to save on this cost.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Phoenix