Home Arizona Apartments for Rent The 10 Most Expensive Cities in Arizona

The 10 Most Expensive Cities in Arizona

by Josephine Hogan

Have you been considering a move to Arizona, but you aren’t sure which cities are the best to settle down in? When picking the best place to live, there are a lot of things that need to be considered in the move. One of those is the cost of living for the cities you’re considering to call home. Today we’ve compiled a list of some of the most expensive cities in Arizona.

1) Paradise Valley

This suburb of Phoenix, Paradise Valley is located in Maricopa County and is Arizona’s wealthiest municipality. It is known for luxury golf courses, shopping, and real estate. Despite a relatively small population, there are eight full-service resorts, which is why it’s one of Arizona’s premier tourist destinations.

Population: 14,362

Household Income Median: $211,393

House Cost Median: $1,858,900

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $3,091

Cost Of Living Index: 318.5 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

2) Cave Creek

The town of Cave Creek is located in Maricopa County and borders Phoenix. The Cave Creek runs through the city and is presumed that’s how the city was named. In Cave Creek, you’ll find Maricopa County Park where there are unusual cacti, stone formations, and hundreds of pre-history Hohokam Indian tribal artifacts.

Population: 5,670

Household Income Median: $83,787

House Cost Median: $602,900

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,579

Cost Of Living Index: 153.1 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

3) Sedona

Located in the Coconino National Forest, Sedona straddles the county line between Coconino and Yavapai counties. The city’s main attraction is the red sandstone formations. Sedona hosts many events annually, such as The Sedona Solstice Festivals both during the summer and winter. It is also the home of the Sedona Arts Center, which is the oldest art center in Northern Arizona.

Population: 10,322

Household Income Median: $61,470

House Cost Median: $504,600

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,219

Cost Of Living Index: 134.3 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

4) Scottsdale

Situated in the eastern part of Maricopa County, the city of Scottsdale is a part of the Greater Phoenix Area. Known for the high quality of life, Scottsdale has sprawling, luxurious resorts, champion golf courses, and high-end boutiques.

Population: 250,602

Household Income Median: $88,213

House Cost Median: $469,400

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,498

Cost Of Living Index: 133.2 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

5) Fountain Hills

The city of Fountain Hills is located in Maricopa County and is known for the fountain that was once the tallest in the world. Fountain Hills has the best of both worlds, the advantages of a large metropolitan area while still having the small community feel.

Population: 24,987 

Household Income Median: $85,200

House Cost Median: $420,000

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,384

Cost Of Living Index: 127.1 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

6) Litchfield Park

The city of Litchfield Park is a historically affluent community twenty miles west of Phoenix. Located in Maricopa County, Litchfield Park is home to several historic structures. They also put on several events throughout the year which attract a large tourist turnout.

Population: 6,073

Household Income Median: $83,156

House Cost Median: $83,156

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,287

Cost Of Living Index: 117.7 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

7) Flagstaff

Situated in Coconino County in Northern Arizona, the city of Flagstaff is on the edge of the Colorado Plateau and within the San Francisco volcanic field. The city is also home to Northern Arizona University and has a great deal of tourism because of its proximity to several attractions, like the Grand Canyon National Park.

Population: 72,402

Household Income Median: $58,748

House Cost Median: $383,600

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,394

Cost Of Living Index: 117 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

8) Queen Creek

Queen Creek sits in Maricopa and Pinal counties, where it once began as a railroad stop. With several festivals throughout the year, like The American Heritage Festival, as well as the historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the city feels like a small town.

Population: 43,129

Household Income Median: $105,729

House Cost Median: $292,500

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,257

Cost Of Living Index: 112.6 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is 102.2)

9) Gold Canyon

Located in Pinal County, Gold Canyon is an unincorporated community. This newer, well-maintained city is often considered an upscale East Phoenix Valley. Next to the Superstition Mountain Wilderness, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do. As well as five 18-hole championship-level golf courses.

Population: 11,612

Household Income Median: $75,518

House Cost Median: $308,000

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,334

Cost Of Living Index: 111.3 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

10) Prescott Valley

Found in Yavapai County, the city of Prescott Valley is only minutes away from the Prescott National Forest. It’s also home to Fain Park, where you’ll find many historic displays, such as the Barlow-Massicks gold mining operation and some equipment, as well as the Fain Lake.

Population: 44,311

Household Income Median: $51,909

House Cost Median: $267,300

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment Median: $1,006

Cost Of Living Index: 102.7 (where the US is at 100 and Arizona is at 102.2)

To learn more about the cost of living in Arizona, head on over here. But while you’re here, let us know in the comments which of the most expensive cities we’ve listed are your favorite city in Arizona. Be sure to let us know why.

If you’re interested in moving to one of the amazing cities in Arizona, you’ll want to check out our stunning apartments on our site. And if you need to know more about our great state, be sure to check out our post listing some of the pros and cons of living in Arizona.

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