Arizona has long been a rival to Florida as the best place to retire. Its benefits are multi-fold. On the financial side, the state doesn’t tax Social Security, and the tax rate on retirement withdrawals is only 2.5%. In addition, it has low property taxes with caps for seniors and veterans.
Besides the savings, which are vital to retirees living on a monthly budget of less than $1,750, Arizona offers seniors plenty of sunshine and accessible health care at low cost. If you choose one of the affordable nine cities on this list, you can set yourself up for a stress-free retirement and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle regardless of your budget.
Editor’s note: All rental data is for two-bedroom apartments pulled from bestplaces.net unless otherwise noted.
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1. Douglas
above the border at douglas arizona
tim/Adobe
Median rent: $850
With a rent of less than $1,000, you’ll have lots of disposable income if you move to the border town of Douglas.
Besides offering some of the most affordable housing in the state, Douglas has a peaceful, small-town vibe. It also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, which are ideal for retirees looking to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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2. Bisbee
bisbee arizona
MelissaMN/Adobe
Average rent: $840
Bisbee has Douglas beaten when it comes to affordable housing costs. It also offers a lot of variety for seniors looking to enjoy their leftover cash. The city has a rich history and vibrant cultural life, so retirees who can’t enjoy the scenic surroundings aren’t left out.
The cooler climate in Bisbee can also help you explore more during summer, which is always a bonus for your retirement plan.
3. Nogales
above nogales arizona
tim/Adobe
Average rent: $890
Nogales is an affordable border town. Its grocery and utility prices match its low housing costs, making it an attractive place for retirees who enjoy diverse experiences and enticing Mexican cuisine.
If you’ve always wanted to enjoy the unique cultural blend that Arizona has to offer, there aren’t many more affordable spots to do so than Nogales.
4. Kingman
kingman arizona
Robert/Adobe
Average rent: $1,060
Living in Kingman can make your dream of visiting the Grand Canyon come true. Its proximity, and that of Turquoise Mountain and other local mines, can turn any senior willing to retire early into a lifelong explorer.
You’re also close to Lake Havasu, where you can stay cool on the water during the hot summers. Add that to a low cost of living and 28.3% lower-than-average median home prices, and you have no reason to pass on Kingman as your new home.
5. San Luis
san luis arizona
David/Adobe
Average rent: $910
San Luis is close to Yuma and the Mexican border. Housing costs are more affordable than in the rest of the state and Yuma proper. The city is a great spot for enjoying vibrant local cuisine and warm weather.
In San Luis, there’s always something for you to do. Take up hiking or biking in the cooler months, and enjoy its community-minded atmosphere year-round.
6. Sierra Vista
sierra vista arizona
Teressa L. Jackson/Adobe
Average rent: $1,120
Sierra Vista is a good spot to enjoy all that living in the high desert has to offer. The city is surrounded by mountains and gives you easy access to Brown Canyon Ranch.
Sierra Vista is close to the Fort Huachuca military installation. In addition, you’ll enjoy cooler summers than the rest of the state, making it easy to go outdoors and explore.
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7. Ajo
immaculate conception church of ajo
Laurens/Adobe
Average rent: $1,150
This Sonoran Desert small town lets retirees enjoy nature at its finest. It has some of the darkest night skies in the U.S., so if you’ve always wanted to add stargazing to outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching, you’ll be spoiled in Ajo.
What’s more, this small community has affordable health care options, making it an attractive retirement destination for health-conscious seniors.
8. Yuma
cityscape of yuma arizona
Matt Gush/Adobe
Average rent: $1,150
Yuma can give you a taste of Arizona’s history. You can visit places like the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and Sanguinetti House Museum & Garden, in addition to hiking in the nearby state parks and recreation areas.
Yuma is also a gourmet food lover’s paradise, which is perfect, given that its reasonable home price of $279,400, 21% lower than the U.S. average, will leave enough cash in your pocket to enjoy the delicious local food.
9. Tucson Estates
suburb of tucson
mdurson/Adobe
Average rent: $1,170
This Pima County community is perfect for nature lovers who want to live in the Sonoran Desert. Besides a plethora of outdoor pursuits, retirees can enjoy a vibrant city life, including art galleries, festivals, and historical landmarks.
Tucson Estates has lower median home prices than other cities in the Tucson Metro Area. To boot, utility costs like internet service are quite affordable, which is good news for your $1,750 budget.
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Bottom line
Whether you pick lesser-known cities like Douglas or large places like Yuma as your retirement havens, you’ll be able to stretch your $1,750 monthly budget without sacrificing quality of life.
Want more ways to supplement your Social Security in Arizona? Find out if you qualify for property tax exemptions or rebates, or invest in low-cost rental property in one of the affordable cities above if you have a small nest egg.
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