Cost of Living in Arizona
Overall index: 110.3 — ranked #16 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Arizona
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Arizona
Estimated annual spending: $72,648($2,352 remaining)
Metro areas in Arizona
What things cost in Arizona
| Item | Arizona | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $360,000 | +$35,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,400/mo | +$382 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.97/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.47 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $137/mo | $24 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $13,500/yr | +$2,125 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.04 | $4.95 | +$0.09 |
| Monthly groceries | $418/mo | $410/mo | +$8 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Arizona vs national average
What a salary in Arizona is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,150 | +$5,150 |
| $75,000 | $82,725 | +$7,725 |
| $100,000 | $110,300 | +$10,300 |
| $125,000 | $137,875 | +$12,875 |
| $150,000 | $165,450 | +$15,450 |
| $200,000 | $220,600 | +$20,600 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Arizona to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Arizona with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Arizona?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3, making it near the national average (ranked #16 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $395,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/month.
Is Arizona expensive to live in?
Yes, Arizona is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 110.3 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 127.3% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Arizona?
The median home price in Arizona is $395,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/month. Arizona's housing index is 127.3 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 27.299999999999997% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Phoenix has a housing index of 112.
How much are groceries in Arizona?
Arizona's grocery index is 101.9 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.04 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $418, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Arizona?
The average monthly electric bill in Arizona is $113 based on the state's residential rate of 12.74¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Arizona?
Center-based infant childcare in Arizona averages $15,625/year ($1,302/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Arizona?
A $75,000 salary in Arizona has the same purchasing power as $67,996 at the national average cost of living. Because Arizona is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Arizona?
Major metro areas in Arizona include: Phoenix (103.8). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 110.3. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Arizona taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Arizona take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.