Known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the U.S. In fact, it is the fifth largest in America and is home to more than one million people.
Phoenix, AZ, also sees more sunshine than any other area in the country, but nice weather isn’t the only draw. With a diverse mix of work and play, Arizona’s capital city has a thriving job market, as well as plenty of places to shop and dine out.
So, if you’re thinking you could use a change of scenery, maybe it’s time to explore your options in Phoenix. With so many distinct areas to live in, you won’t have a problem finding the perfect place in Phoenix with an average rent that works for you.
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What is the rent in Phoenix?
It’s always nice to find a city with plenty of job opportunities and affordable housing. Phoenix fits the bill. Even though rent ranges between neighborhoods, the average rent in Phoenix is $1,749 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, renters can find studio apartments or three-bedroom apartments to fit their needs.
Rent in the capital city is more expensive compared to the average rent in Arizona, which is $1,662.
The cost of living in Phoenix
Once you’ve cemented the rent you’d like to and can afford to pay, it’s time to consider the cost of your other necessary living expenses. These are the everyday items that play into your overall budget.
A good way to evaluate how expensive a city you’re living in is to look at the average costs for common items. These items include things like utilities, transportation and groceries.
To see how the cost of living prices compare to the national average, we’ve broken it down into categories for you to easily scan:
- Healthcare: The cost of healthcare in Phoenix is 7.9 percent below the national average
- Miscellaneous goods and services: The cost of miscellaneous goods and services in Phoenix is 11.7 less than the national average
- Groceries: The cost of groceries in Phoenix is 0.4 percent below the national average
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in Phoenix is 2.4 percent higher than the national average
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Phoenix is 0.4 percent higher than the national average
- Housing: The cost of housing in Phoenix is 30.8 percent higher than the national average
As you can see, some common spending areas are more expensive than the national average while others are less. You’ll spend more on housing, for example, but save on healthcare and groceries.
Having all this important information in advance will help you effectively budget to live in Phoenix. It also helps ensure you find housing at the perfect price point.
The most and least expensive neighborhoods in Phoenix
Phoenix has a unique city design in that many smaller neighborhoods sit within larger ones. For this reason, you can find a tiny oasis within a much larger space if you’ve got specific tastes. It also means you’ll see pockets of the most and least expensive neighborhoods, rather than a single cluster. The most expensive areas range from a few in the downtown area to spots across the north. The least expensive neighborhoods spread out in much the same way, covering a large part of the area to the east.
Within the more expensive neighborhoods in Phoenix, you’ll find neighborhoods like Kierland, Evans-Churchill and North Gateway. In these areas, rent ranges from $2,400 to $5,200 per month.
There are also less expensive neighborhoods like Citrus Acres and West Phoenix with rent prices under the $1,200 mark. As you can see, rent prices can range drastically depending on which neighborhood you live in. With such widespread coverage, it’s possible to find an apartment at any price point throughout Phoenix.
The most expensive Phoenix neighborhoods
Close to the famous Mayo Clinic, just north of Downtown Phoenix is where you’ll find a few of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods. These areas consist of dense, suburban spots with plenty of parks, green spaces and quiet, beautiful streets. This area takes on a laid-back vibe for those looking to live in a little luxury away from the bustle of the city.
For those who want a faster-paced lifestyle, while still living at the higher end, certain Phoenix neighborhoods within downtown fit the bill. These include areas where residents have plenty of options to work and play. You’ll find large sporting venues alongside the arts district. For commuters, these neighborhoods also keep you close to the airport, as well.
The top five most expensive neighborhoods in Phoenix are:
- Desert View — $2,276 (-8.06%)
- Warehouse District — $2,329 (n/a)
- North Gateway — $2,474 (+10.73%)
- Evans-Churchill — $2,662 (+17.49%)
- Kierland — $5,261 (+7.13%)
The least expensive Phoenix neighborhoods
Neighborhoods throughout Phoenix that made the least expensive list have one thing in common: They’re low-key. Whether that means a quieter feel or more casual spots to eat or shop, these communities make it easy to enjoy yourself.
Many have multiple green spaces and access to large parks and hiking trails.
The average rent for an apartment in one of the least expensive neighborhoods is $1,189. So, you’re under the overall median rent for Phoenix. The least expensive neighborhoods in Phoenix are:
- Papago Gardens — $1,225 (+2.8%)
- Alhambra — $1,225 (+8.27%)
- Palm Acres: — $1,219 (17.51%)
- West Phoenix —$1,212 (+14.20%)
- Citrus Acres — $1,067 (-6.44%)
The nice thing about any of these neighborhoods is that no matter where you are, you are still within close proximity to downtown Phoenix. So, you can enjoy a break on housing costs while still enjoying the amenities of a large metro.
Rent prices in top Phoenix neighborhoods
We showed you the most and least expensive neighborhoods in the city, but there are several options in between. Check out rent prices for all of the Phoenix neighborhoods to find the place that fits your lifestyle and budget.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | MoM Change | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahwatukee Foothills | $1,785 | 5.89% | -0.08% |
| Alhambra | $1,225 | -0.13% | 8.27% |
| Arcadia Lite | $1,811 | -9.16% | -20.02% |
| Camelback East | $1,454 | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| Casa Tierra | $1,344 | 0.00% | N/A |
| Central Avenue Corridor | $1,526 | -3.32% | -16.97% |
| Central City | $2,088 | -6.65% | -21.16% |
| Citrus Acres | $1,067 | 0.00% | -6.44% |
| Clarendon Park | $1,589 | 1.15% | 15.57% |
| Coronado | $1,350 | N/A | N/A |
| Deer Valley | $1,650 | 6.86% | -5.35% |
| Desert Ridge | $2,245 | -13.41% | -5.59% |
| Desert View | $2,276 | 1.19% | -8.06% |
| Downtown | $2,264 | -2.71% | -19.04% |
| Encanto | $1,475 | -1.71% | 17.94% |
| Estrella | $1,768 | -0.40% | 61.52% |
| Evans-Churchill | $2,652 | 6.34% | 17.49% |
| Kierland | $5,261 | -4.21% | 7.13% |
| Lake Biltmore Village | $1,254 | 1.19% | 26.70% |
| Maryvale | $1,302 | 1.38% | 11.99% |
| North Encanto | $1,606 | -23.90% | N/A |
| North Gateway | $2,474 | 4.69% | 10.73% |
| North Mountain | $1,323 | -3.78% | 5.36% |
| North Phoenix | $1,683 | 2.71% | -4.37% |
| Palm Acres | $1,219 | -1.48% | 17.51% |
| Papago Gardens | $1,225 | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| Paradise Valley | $1,692 | -9.92% | -27.40% |
| Paradise Valley Oasis | $1,447 | 0.32% | -3.14% |
| Pierson Place | $1,757 | -25.17% | -15.96% |
| South Mountain | $1,244 | -11.13% | 25.98% |
| South Phoenix | $1,586 | 5.59% | -2.64% |
| Valencia Acres | $1,275 | -3.61% | 2.02% |
| Warehouse District | $2,329 | -2.46% | N/A |
| West Phoenix | $1,212 | 0.44% | 14.20% |
How much do I need to make to live in Phoenix?
To live comfortably in Phoenix, you need to ensure you’ve got enough to pay rent and cover all of life’s additional expenses. It’s also recommended that you don’t spend more than 30 percent of your pre-tax income on housing, just to play it safe.
Working with the average, one-bedroom rent of $1,749, you’d need to make right around $70,000 per year based on the above equation. If someone rents an apartment for $1,749 per month, they’ll end up paying just shy of $21,000 a year in rent.
The average income for Phoenix workers is $27.22 per hour, or $56,600 a year. So, if you want to live comfortably in Phoenix, AZ, you’ll likely need to make more than the average income to live comfortably.
Regardless of salary, there’s housing in Phoenix that fits any budget. To double-check your calculations and figure out what you can really afford, let us help you calculate your ideal rent.
Find your perfect Phoenix neighborhood
More than 16 million people visit Phoenix every year. Not surprisingly, many end up becoming residents.
This is because the city has so much to offer. Not only is it big, with plenty of opportunities, but it also doesn’t have any winter. Come check out this picturesque and diverse city yourself. Then, select your ideal neighborhood in Phoenix to call home.
