2024 Suburbs with the Lowest Cost of Living in the Phoenix Area

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.1 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: Small town vibes, with kind people. Community events are fun and down home feeling. Small mom and pop restaurants and stores are wonderful! I would like to see more of the vacant buildings used for some beneficial enjoyment of the community. Some buildings could use a makeover too.... Read 41 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Population 14,175

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 5,335

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Apache Junction for the past 7 or 8 years now. We are relatively close to the mountain, which is definitely a plus, but it really depends on what part of AJ you live in. For example, the house around the corner from mine is a crack house, but my Aunt's house is on the base of the Superstition Mountains, with a spectacular view and no real bothers. There is only one public school in Apache Junction; Apache Junction High School, which I also attended. This high school is neither good nor terrible, and if I could, my hypothetical children would never attend the school. Overall, though, AJ is a good town. There are plenty of places to shop, and the mall is only a 20-minute drive. The streets are pretty quiet during the night, although I would watch out for "snowbirds" no matter the time of day. Snowbirds are elderly people who come to Arizona when their main residence gets cold. For the most part, these people don't know how to drive and are a danger on the road.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Population 38,855

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  187 reviews

Current Resident: I just moved to Casa Grande from Tempe. I've lived in Arizona my entire life. Casa Grande is much quieter than the valley and there is so much nature around. The temperatures stay pretty consistently cooler than the Phoenix area up north due to there being virtually nothing around. The town has a pretty large senior population and is a popular area for snowbirds, so it's less crowded during the summer.... Read 187 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Population 55,186

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Florence for the last 14 years as a resident, but not as a homeowner. Housing is very affordable in this area, but this is at the expense of living a considerable distance from the city. The nearest highway is about a half-hour away. The area is mostly rural farmland. But there are ever-developing shopping centers and strip malls that make the remote area feel less off-the-map. If you don't mind an average 45-minute drive to work/ school/ doctor's appointments, then relatively large homes in the low $300k are within your reach. The public schools aren't great--but that this a general rule for all Arizona public schools. The charter schools and private schools are a better option. Traffic is light to moderate. There are a number of small parks. And the area is relatively safe.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Population 25,783

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  116 reviews

Current Resident: My experience with El Mirage has ultimately been amazing! I grew up in El Mirage it's an intimate and unique city that is safe and trusted. El Mirage will forever be my home, I've only ever known it. This community is diverse and I've learned how to love people who have different backgrounds as me. I love my city of El Mirage and want to raise my family of my own in my hometown!... Read 116 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 35,652

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: A great place to live. Exceptional community leisure activities . Safe place Great highway access. Low property taxes, county only. Low weather hazards.... Read 15 reviews

• grade C+

• grade unavailable

• grade C

• Population 37,748

• Town in Arizona

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  161 reviews

Current Resident: Our family has lived here since May 2006 and we love this town. A lot has changed in 18 years(lots more stores and people) but much has stayed the same. If you get out into the community, either through doing things with your kids or getting involved in activities yourself, you will quickly get the small town feel. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer through the schools, churches and other organizations. We are very close to the metro area, so what we don’t have you can easily drive too. If you commute, it can be rough due to lack of options in and out of town. We are rural and there will be animal smells. Check us out before you move. It’s worth the time!... Read 161 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 59,605

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Works Here: The town hall goes to extremes for safety for business owners an d I would assume those who live there. Air quality is excellent.... Read 23 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 6,980

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  201 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in San Tan for a long time (15+ years) so I have see the amount of development it has gone through. I’m glad so much has changed from the past, as there are so many reasons for people now compared to many years ago. However, San Tan’s infrastructure is very reactive, not very proactive, and that is why many times the San Tan residents suffer (lack of road accessibility, lack if resources and more). I love San Tan Valley, as I grew up here and I hope in the future our city grows so more people can enjoy this place like I do.... Read 201 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 101,207

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  14 reviews

Visitor: My grandparents currently live in Gold Canyon and I would consider it home. The area is beautiful, its normally nice and quiet, connects right to E US Hwy 60 and is extremely convenient to travel. Is it in a great location relative to the city of Phoenix and to Tucson. The grocery stores nearby are always stocked and customer service is great. I love being able to have everything close nearby, along with several golf courses, making Gold Canyon a wonderful place to call home.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• grade C

• Population 11,565

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  333 reviews

Current Resident: Having resided here for a year now, I must say I've grown quite fond of the city. It offers a sense of comfort and safety that's hard to find elsewhere. The community atmosphere adds to this feeling of security, making it an ideal place to call home. While Buckeye may not boast the same vibrant nightlife and extensive dining options as larger cities, it's undeniable that the area is undergoing significant growth and development. The fact that it's considered an up-and-coming city is evident in the pace at which new establishments and amenities are emerging. Being a suburb of Phoenix, Buckeye benefits from its proximity to a major metropolitan area while still maintaining its own unique identity. The rapid growth of the city is a testament to its appeal and potential for the future.... Read 333 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Population 95,042

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Arizona. I grew up in an area where i was able to ride my bike to school by myself and not worry about traffic or making it home and major streets. where we live has small neighborhood shops and restaurants all within walking distance and offers 3 parks and a lake for walking and fishing. I LOVE IT!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 6,794

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in nearby Litchfield Park in the 80's/90's and had a few friends from the Clearwater Farms neighborhood in Citrus Park. I absolutely fell in love with the area and the rural lifestyle so when it came time to buy a place of my own and raise a family this is where we laid our roots. The homes are all unique and the streets are pedestrian and horse friendly. Our neighbors are true friends, supportive and vigilant. It's more than community it's a bond, like family we really watch out for each other out here. It has been amazing to raise children and teach them to grown their own food and raise their own livestock. The irrigation makes for big trees and green grass so it just has a different feel out here. The area around us is starting to grow rapidly. Developers have bought out the farm lands and are building high density tracts that are in stark contrast to the existing area, the orchards are all but disappeared but overall my experience here has been excellent.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 5,569

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  252 reviews

Current Resident: I love Queen Creek, and i would 100% choose to live here for the rest of my life. It has such a kind and open community, with hundreds of different clubs or organizations to join to connect with others. There are monthly food truck festivals, and fun activities for everyone, in every age-range. There's annual parades that show off schools in town and other businesses. There's many small businesses that all support each other and the town. Many of our friends own or help out in these places. A lot of friends my age work at these businesses and love it. We have an amazing night life, with tons of beautiful places to visit. There's a wonderful library that helps students educate themselves. There's really nice parks and rec center, as well as a town hall. The face book for town is fun and allows you to meet other Queen Creek Residence. It sets us apart from other towns, in a beautiful way. There's nothing i would change, except for maybe all of the construction, but what can you do?... Read 252 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 61,788

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,676 reviews

Current Resident: While living in Mesa, Arizona, offers a special combination of suburban ease, metropolitan conveniences, and scenic surroundings. Although, it might be extremely hot in this town, waking up to a glowy sun streaming through my window. The beautiful clear blue skies offers me a wide spread of outdoor experiences to endorse. Living in Mesa, Arizona is an experience I would want to share with my own children one day. The safetiness I feel when walking my neighborhood or the amazing blend of nature throughout my town.... Read 1,676 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 503,390

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  1,244 reviews

Current Resident: Gilbert is a great suburb to live in! There is plenty of entertainment for children, teens, and adults as well! There are tons of fun outdoor activities such as hiking and mini-golf during the winter, and in the summer one can escape the heat to the fun coffee shops and eateries around town. The majority of Gilbert neighborhoods are extremely safe, friendly, and central to anything you may need. Typically you are less than fifteen minutes away from all your essential grocery stores, malls, and sports centers. Additionally, Gilbert is a small suburb and is therefore just a short drive away from many other areas such as Queen Creek and Chandler, where you can find additional excitement. While it is true that Gilbert is a child-friendly area, one essential component is lacking - our public education system. Serious improvement in Gilbert's public schools is necessary immediately. Despite this, I highly recommend the city of Gilbert as a safe, fun, and friendly place to live!... Read 1,244 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 267,267

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  867 reviews

Current Resident: Certainly! Here's a concise review of Glendale that fits within your character limit: Exploring Glendale: A Vibrant City Experience Glendale offers a vibrant mix of cultural diversity, excellent shopping, and dining options, along with expansive parks for recreation. The cultural festivals and diverse culinary scene are major highlights, reflecting the city's inclusive spirit. Improvements Needed: However, Glendale could benefit from enhanced public transportation to ease traffic congestion. Additionally, efforts to increase safety and expand affordable housing options would further improve the quality of life for residents. Overall, Glendale is a dynamic city with a lot to offer, though like any city, there is room for infrastructural and community enhancements.... Read 867 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 248,083

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.99 out of 5  537 reviews

Current Resident: I love that Surprise is a growing community with constant new additions to shopping, dining, and work opportunities!... Read 537 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 145,591

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  347 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived in Avondale for almost a year, I can say that it's been very welcoming. The neighborhood that we live in is diverse and growing. The construction of more homes, apartments, and entertainment is significant to the community. There are lots of restaurants, entertainment, as well as nature close by.... Read 347 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 89,214

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: I have only lived here for about a year. I find the convenience of finding every type of shopping and health care to be excellent. As a retiree I feel safe living here. Everyone has been friendly that I have met in social situations and shopping in stores, etc.... Read 9 reviews

• grade C+

• grade unavailable

• grade C

• Population 26,639

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  105 reviews

Current Resident: Anthem is a great community with a small town feel. There is so much available to everyone here from the gym to miles of bike paths , amazing parks and playgrounds, fun pools and even a couple good restaurants. Its super safe and quiet too.... Read 105 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 22,708

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  1,020 reviews

Current Resident: It's a nice busy town with everything you need but doesn't feel too city-ish. I'm only 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix and 20 minutes from both airports. Some parts of town are nicer than others, some are not as safe. But I liek it here!... Read 1,020 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade C

• Population 275,618

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  348 reviews

Current Resident: Living Goodyear provides an easy-going atmosphere. Just around the corner we have grocery stores that are easy to get to along with gas stations, car wash, banks, restaurants, and so much more! We also are located near the Fire Department!... Read 348 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade C

• Population 97,542

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  667 reviews

Current Resident: Plenty of entertainment and restaurant's within the area. Family events, churches and family friendly neighborhoods within the area.... Read 667 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade C minus

• Population 191,292