Spending the summer months in Arizona might sound intense — and it often is.
Between a stretch of 100-degree days, spiking utility bills, and the sudden storms of monsoon season, the desert climate can certainly feel daunting. But these few months only tell part of the story.
From fall through spring, Arizona shifts into a sun-soaked haven. During this period, the Grand Canyon State boasts the mild weather of coastal California at a comparatively lower cost.
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That affordability extends to state income and property taxes. Residents enjoy a low flat income tax of just 2.5%, and property tax rates typically fall below the national average. There is no state inheritance tax to worry about, and Arizona waives its state sales tax on groceries.
Interested in finding your piece of the desert? Buckle up for a road trip. Here are the ten cheapest places to live in Arizona.
Cheapest places to live in Arizona
After Kiplinger ranked property tax bills from highest to lowest per county in Arizona, one trend jumped out: Rural areas are the cheapest. You’ll typically find a more affordable lifestyle in the country than in metropolitan areas like Phoenix or Las Vegas.
But if you’re ready to see vast desert landscapes and quaint small towns and are willing to travel to a city for other amusements, look into these places in Arizona.
Note: Kiplinger used 2026 data presented by the Tax Foundation (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to find the cheapest counties in Arizona to live.
Santa Cruz County
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Median property tax bill: $1,415
Median home price: $233,000
At a median of $1,415, Santa Cruz County features the highest property tax bill on our list. Yet, home prices are relatively modest, at roughly $233,000, according to the Tax Foundation.
Located along the sunny Mexican border, Santa Cruz is Arizona’s smallest county by land area, but don’t let that fool you — there’s plenty to do. Whether you’re looking for a deeply cultural journey, historic exploration, or a scenic outdoor escape, Santa Cruz offers a distinct, authentic vibe in every region.
Nature lovers can experience world-class birding in the Patagonia Mountains and Patagonia Lake State Park, explore the scenic Arizona Trail, or hike through the lush Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Just up the road, you can taste award-winning local varietals in the high-desert wineries of Sonoita and Elgin.
For history and art enthusiasts, the area boasts the historic 18th-century Spanish mission at Tumacácori National Historical Park and the oldest Spanish military presidio in Arizona at Tubac, which has evolved into a thriving, world-renowned artist colony.
In the heart of the county sits Nogales, the vibrant county seat and one of the nation’s most crucial international ports, anchoring a rich Mexican-American border culture and a bustling produce economy.
So come to Santa Cruz for whatever your vibe is, but stay for the relatively affordable property tax bill.
Gila County
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Median property tax bill: $1,386
Median home price: $269,400
Gila has the second-highest median home price on our list, at $269,400, though its median property tax bill is just under $1,400, per the latest U.S. Census Bureau Data. This anomaly exists because while property tax rates are low, highly desirable mountain communities like Payson and Pine drive up home values.
Outdoor enthusiasts might absolutely love Gila County for its local topography. The landscape shifts from the blooming cactus of the Sonoran Desert to the towering ponderosa pines of the Mogollon Rim, meaning a scenic hike is never far away, no matter where you roam.
Residents also enjoy easy access to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which contains the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. Meanwhile, water lovers can explore Roosevelt Lake — the largest lake entirely in central Arizona — via boating, fishing, and camping along the shoreline.
Families might also love exploring the ancient, restored Salado pueblo ruins at Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, or visiting the Tonto Fish Hatchery to learn all about the trout life cycle.
If you have an active, outdoorsy household, Gila County, Arizona, might make for an incredible next stop, and your wallet could thank you.
Yuma County
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Median property tax bill: $1,333
Median home price: $217,800
With a median property tax bill hovering around $1,333, Yuma County stands out as a highly affordable corner of the Grand Canyon State. Home prices can also be lower, with a median home price just under $218,000, per the Tax Foundation’s data.
Known as the “Winter Lettuce Capital of the World,” the region famously produces roughly 90% of all the leafy greens consumed across North America during the winter months. Beyond its agricultural importance, Yuma is also recognized as the “Sunniest Place on Earth,” holding a Guinness World Record for enjoying sunshine about 91% of the year — so be sure to pack your parasol!
Residents take advantage of this endless sunshine by kayaking, canoeing, and tubing along the Colorado River, exploring the scenic walking trails and butterfly gardens at West Wetlands Park, or conquering the rolling hills of the Imperial Sand Dunes.
But if outdoor adrenaline isn’t your thing, no biggie; historical sites like the Yuma Art Center & Historic Theatre and a vibrant downtown shopping scene mean you can easily trade the desert heat for central AC without missing out on the local vibe.
Whether you’re looking for booming seasonal energy or desert relaxation, Yuma County awaits, complete with a relatively low property tax bill.
Cochise County
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Median property tax bill: $1,310
Median home price: $218,300
Homes in Cochise are priced slightly higher than in Yuma County, with a median price of around $218,300. However, the median property tax bill is comparatively lower, at just $1,310, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Keen on a unique, bohemian atmosphere? Cochise has you covered. Nestled in the region is Bisbee, an artsy mountain enclave beautifully carved into the steep hillsides of Mule Mountain Canyon. The town is filled to the brim with historic brick buildings, local boutique shops, and distinct craft breweries. And when you want to switch gears, you can easily head into other parts of the county for a totally different lifestyle.
The region is famous for the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, home to a community proudly preserving its rugged cowboy heritage through authentic stagecoach rides and daily reenactments of the historic gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
For the outdoorsman, the area surrounding the city of Sierra Vista provides exploration of underground rock formations at Kartchner Caverns State Park, hikes through the scenic San Pedro River Valley, and rock climbing at the Cochise Stronghold.
Offering a vibrant mix of exciting, unconventional, and rich all-American culture, Cochise County delivers a perhaps unforgettable southwestern lifestyle — with surprisingly low property taxes.
Mohave County
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Median property tax bill: $1,238
Median home price: $281,000
Located a little over two hours from Las Vegas, Mohave County has a relatively low median property tax bill of just under $1,240.
However, the median home price is the highest on our list at $281,000, according to the latest Tax Foundation data. This is largely due to a localized housing shortage coupled with out-of-state migration from higher-cost states, like California. But don’t let Mohave’s slightly higher prices drive you away from this piece of American history.
The area has the longest remaining drivable stretch of the historic Route 66, giving residents access to vast, open desert landscapes. You can also take a walk into the Grand Canyon West, where stepping out onto the Skywalk — a famous horseshoe-shaped glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor — isn’t just a daring fantasy, but a reality.
The county’s unique geography also features the iconic London Bridge, which was meticulously relocated from England to Lake Havasu City in the 1900s. Alongside local lakes and the Colorado River, the region offers plenty of water recreation paired with a deeply rooted historic mining culture.
Looking for a slice of wide-open outdoor living mixed with a lack of restrictive HOAs and plenty of lifestyle freedom? Mohave County, Arizona, might just be your next move.
Navajo County
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Median property tax bill: $1,195
Median home price: $201,500
Navajo County home prices are relatively low compared with other places on our list, at just around $201,500. Median property tax bills are also considered cheap at under $1,200 per year, according to the Tax Foundation.
The area is known for the dramatic contrast of red sandstone buttes in the north and cool pine forests, alpine streams, and deep lakes in the south. Named after the Navajo Nation, which spans across its northern territory, the county is also home to the Hopi and White Mountain Apache tribes, creating a rich cultural tapestry.
Up north, residents can explore the iconic monoliths of Monument Valley alongside local Navajo guides, or visit Petrified Forest National Park to hike past ancient fossilized logs and vibrant strata in the Painted Desert.
Down south, the vibe transforms into a mountain resort centered on active communities like Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. Here, locals enjoy endless summer fishing, boating, and hiking at the Fool Hollow Recreation Area, as well as skiing and snowboarding at Sunrise Park Resort during the winter.
Navajo County might just be the ultimate all-season escape from the desert heat and winter snow, delivering a diverse mountain lifestyle paired with a surprisingly affordable property tax bill.
Graham County
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Median property tax bill: $1,013
Median home price: $212,000
The median property tax bill in Graham is cheap, at slightly more than $1,000 per year. Home prices can also be relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of the state, with a median of about $212,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Those who want a classic, laid-back small-town American vibe might stop their travels right here. The county is named for the lofty Mount Graham, which serves as a picturesque backdrop for the entire county. Locals can hike or off-road up the mountain, or soak in nearby mineral hot springs.
Graham also has a tight-knit, small-town atmosphere, where local traditions, such as high school football games, holiday light parades, and seasonal harvest events, are center stage. The region even draws travelers from all over for its annual Salsa Fest.
Yet, despite the hometown charm, Graham is quite the scientific hub. Residents can book guided astronomy tours to see the enormous telescopes at the Mount Graham International Observatory, delve into the Space Shuttle simulators at Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park, or head outdoors to learn about desert conservation at the striking Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.
Come to a place steeped in tradition, research, and strong community, and stay because those property taxes are just so cheap.
La Paz County
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Median property tax bill: $873
Median home price: $135,800
A little over two hours from Phoenix is La Paz County, with a median property tax bill of just $873, which is lower than that of all neighboring counties. According to Tax Foundation data, the median home price is also relatively cheap, at $135,800.
La Paz is a snowbird’s paradise. Winter residents and visitors flock to the region to enjoy sunny boating on the Colorado River, relaxed camping at Buckskin Mountain State Park, and the sprawling gem and mineral shows in Quartzsite.
For adrenaline seekers, the county delivers in spades, whether you’re jet-skiing on the Parker Strip or tearing through the open desert along the rugged Arizona Peace Trail.
Conversely, when summer hits its stride, a beautiful hush falls over the region. Much like the rest of rural Arizona, the crowds thin out, treating residents to private solitude, wide-open roads, and peaceful river access all to themselves.
So if you want exceptionally low property taxes, you could reside in La Paz County for its vibrant winter fun and unmatched seasonal relaxation.
Apache County
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Median property tax bill: $572
Median home price: $63,700
Apache County, Arizona, has the lowest median home price on the list, sitting under $64,000 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Median property tax bills are also exceptionally cheap, hovering just below $575.
Because Apache County is a remote region where the Navajo Nation holds a significant portion of the territory, private acreage is limited, leading to more off-grid living and cheaper home prices. So if homesteading is your goal, the county has your back.
In particular, the sprawling high-desert flatlands near towns like Concho and St. Johns are famous for having highly affordable land, paired with a quietly independent attitude. You must be prepared to haul your own resources, though, which may include drilling a well or setting up solar power — traditional municipal utilities are scarce, which can rack up costs.
Yet when you want to transition from homesteading to recreation, the county offers unforgettable southwestern experiences. Residents can take incredible guided tours through the sheer cliffs of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, hike the brilliant badlands of the Painted Desert, or step back in time by exploring the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.
For the modern frontiersman in all of us, Apache County’s unbeatable wide-open freedom could be your calling.
Greenlee County
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Median property tax bill: $518
Median home price: $158,600
Greenlee County is the cheapest place to live in Arizona. The median property tax bill is only $518, and home prices are around $158,600, per the most recent Tax Foundation data.
As Arizona’s least populous county, Greenlee is peaceful, off the beaten path, and defined by mining, ranching, and warm small-town hospitality. In fact, it hosts the Morenci Mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in North America.
Running right through the county is the historic Coronado Trail (U.S. 191), featuring more than 400 twists and turns that provide prime motorcycling, cycling, and sightseeing opportunities.
Following this winding route upward leads to a dramatic change in scenery at Hannagan Meadow. In stark contrast to the desert canyons below, the meadow sits at over 9,000 feet, offering a mountainous setting for horseback riding, hiking, and both summer and winter eco-tours.
Rockhounds can also strike out into the desert to search for brilliant agate, blood-red jasper, and rare fire agate at public sites like the Round Mountain Rockhound Area and Limestone Gulch. Meanwhile, outdoor sportsmen may fish for native Arizona trout in the mountain streams or spend a quiet afternoon casting along the scenic banks of the Gila River.
So if you want to bypass bustling urbanization in favor of quiet, simple living, making the most affordable county in Arizona your next destination might just be the perfect choice.