City Guide

Cost of Living in Arizona for a Single Person

D
Dose Moving & Storage
March 19, 2026 · 4 min read

Arizona has attracted a large wave of single professionals, remote workers, and recent graduates, largely because of its reputation for affordability relative to California and other coastal states. Here is what living in the Phoenix metro actually costs in 2026 across every major category.

Housing

Housing is the most significant cost category and has changed considerably since 2020. Prices and rents rose sharply through 2022 and 2023 and remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.

  • Renting: A one-bedroom apartment in the Phoenix metro averages $1,300 to $1,600 per month in 2026 depending on location and age of the building. Scottsdale runs $200 to $400 above Phoenix averages. Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler offer more affordable options in the $1,100 to $1,400 range.
  • Buying: Entry-level condos and townhomes for single buyers start around $250,000 to $320,000 in Mesa and east Phoenix suburbs. Single-family homes in established Phoenix neighborhoods start around $350,000 to $400,000 across most of the metro outside Scottsdale.

Utilities

Utilities are where Arizona living differs most from the rest of the country.

  • Electricity: Summer electricity bills run $150 to $250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment due to continuous air conditioning from June through September. Bills drop to $40 to $80 per month from October through April when heating demand is minimal.
  • Water and internet: Water averages $30 to $60 per month for a single person. Internet runs $50 to $80 per month for standard residential service.

A realistic monthly utility budget is $250 to $380 in summer and $140 to $200 in cooler months.

Food and Transportation

  • Groceries: A single person who cooks regularly spends $300 to $450 per month. Adding dining out two to three times per week adds $200 to $400 depending on habits.
  • Transportation: Phoenix requires a car for most residents outside of the light rail corridor. Budget $250 to $500 per month for a car payment, $100 to $150 for gas, and $120 to $180 for insurance. A monthly light rail pass runs approximately $64 for those who live along the corridor through Tempe, downtown Phoenix, and Mesa.

Taxes

Arizona’s tax environment is favorable for individuals. The state moved to a flat income tax rate of 2.5% in 2023, one of the lowest flat rates in the country. The combined sales tax rate in Phoenix is approximately 8.6%. Effective property tax rates in Maricopa County typically run 0.6% to 0.8% of assessed value, which is lower than most states.

Total Monthly Budget Estimate

A realistic monthly budget for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment across the Phoenix metro:

Rent: $1,300 to $1,500. Utilities: $140 to $380 depending on season. Groceries: $300 to $450. Transportation: $450 to $700. Dining and entertainment: $300 to $500. Health insurance and miscellaneous: $300 to $500.

Total range: $2,900 to $4,030 per month. This is meaningfully less than comparable costs in Los Angeles, Seattle, or the Bay Area.

Moving to Arizona?

Whether you are arriving from California, the Midwest, or the Pacific Northwest, Dose Moving handles long-distance and local moves across the Phoenix metro. Our long-distance moving service covers full-service moves from anywhere in the country, and our local moving team handles everything within the Valley.

For a deeper look at what the transition involves, read our California to Phoenix relocation guide. Contact us or call (602) 382-4660 to get your free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Arizona cheap to live in? Relative to California and most coastal metros, yes. The Phoenix metro has become more expensive since 2020 but remains more affordable than comparable West Coast cities.
  • How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Phoenix as a single person? A take-home income of $3,500 to $4,500 per month allows for comfortable single-person living in a safe Phoenix-area neighborhood. Mesa, Gilbert, and east Valley suburbs allow for more at the lower end of that range.
  • Does Arizona have a state income tax? Yes, at a flat rate of 2.5%, one of the lowest in the country. Arizona has no estate tax.