Phoenix is a beautiful city full of thriving businesses, state-of-the-art venues, and great entertainment. Compared to other major cities in the West, it’s also one of the most affordable places to live.
The overall cost of living in the Phoenix area is 5% lower than the national average. This makes it a great place for Arizona homebuyers, retirees, and anyone who needs a little extra cash each month.
Housing
Phoenix is a popular city in Arizona for many reasons. Its climate is a huge draw, and it offers a lot to newcomers. But it can also be expensive to live in if you’re not prepared for it.
To make the most of your money in Phoenix, you need to understand how much it costs to live there and plan accordingly. You also need to consider how long it will take you to save up for a home.
The cost of housing in Phoenix is generally lower than in other large cities in the United States, but it can still be a significant part of your monthly budget. In general, experts recommend that you spend no more than 30 percent of your salary on rent. This will give you room for other expenses like recreation and savings.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Phoenix will cost you about $1,450 a month. This is slightly higher than other big cities but it’s still affordable.
If you want to save a little more on your rent, look for a community that’s close to amenities and public services. This way, you can save more of your money on transportation and grocery bills.
Moreover, it’s a good idea to choose a neighborhood that’s a good match for your lifestyle and preferences. There are plenty of neighborhoods in Phoenix that offer everything from good schools to affordable rents.
However, if you’re looking to buy your dream home, be prepared for high prices. The Phoenix real estate market has appreciated quickly, with homes rising more than two hundred percent in the past year.
This is because of a lack of inventory and high demand, which has led to the city’s fastest appreciation rates in years. The trend is likely to continue, as more people are buying and fewer homes are available.
Food
Phoenix is a vibrant city, known for its outdoor adventures and unique food scene. Whether you are a first-timer or a longtime resident, you can always find something to do.
The Phoenix dining scene is filled with a variety of restaurants, from upscale to casual. Here, you can find everything from soul food to southwestern cuisine.
Almost half of the population in the Phoenix area relies on SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps to help them pay for groceries. But the average family in Arizona spends less than 12.1% of its income on food, which is lower than the national average.
Residents in Phoenix also tend to be more active than the national average, with a plethora of hiking opportunities and outdoor activities. Many of these activities are free or low-cost.
One of the most popular activities in Phoenix is golfing, with a wide range of courses available. Other options include walking, hiking, and biking.
The food scene in Phoenix is diverse and constantly evolving. It is home to several local restaurants that offer international and fusion cuisines and is growing in popularity as more people move to the area.
For example, Phoenix has a number of Italian restaurants that serve traditional dishes in a unique way. Among these restaurants is Via Della, which has recently opened a second location in downtown Phoenix.
Another pizza joint that has made a name for itself in Phoenix is Bianco’s Pizzeria. They make a variety of specialty pies, like the Biancoverde, which comes with mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and ricotta cheeses. This is a great place to go for a meal before a Diamondbacks game, or a weekday lunch with a group of friends.
Native American fry bread, also called Indian tacos, is a staple in the Phoenix area. These tortillas are usually griddled and then served topped with a variety of toppings, such as onions, chiles, meats, and cheeses.
A smoked barbecue joint may not seem too appealing, but this place in Scottsdale is an absolute gem. Its signature grits and smoked meats are some of the best you’ll find anywhere, and it’s well worth the wait!
Transportation
Phoenix’s transportation costs are among the highest in the United States, according to a recent study. The city ranks second behind Tampa, Florida, in terms of transportation spending, with 16.8% of the average household’s income going toward transportation costs.
One of the best ways to get around in Phoenix is on a bus or a rail line operated by Valley Metro, the regional transit agency that serves Maricopa County. The system is easy to use and convenient, with step-by-step bus or light rail routes that eliminate confusion over where you should go and when the bus will arrive at your destination.
Another way to save on travel is by taking advantage of the Phoenix E-Scooter program, which lets you rent an electric vehicle at stations all over town for $7 per hour and park it in designated areas when you’re done. These scooters are great for getting around town, and they’re also available in Tempe and Scottsdale.
For groups traveling in the Phoenix area, charter buses are an affordable, comfortable option to transport your group around. These vehicles provide plenty of space for your group to relax and enjoy a trip while someone else drives, so you can focus on having fun without worrying about getting stuck in traffic or missing out on the sights.
You can hire a private charter bus for your entire group or split up into smaller groups to get a group discount. The team at National Charter Bus will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your Phoenix adventure.
If you’re a sports fan, you can get to Chase Field for the Diamondbacks or other local sporting events with National Charter Bus’s sport-themed tours and shuttles. The spacious, climate-controlled bus will give you plenty of room to move around and stay comfortable on the way to the game.
The Phoenix Art Museum, meanwhile, offers a variety of tours for all ages. You can choose from a range of educational programs and guided group tours that take you on a journey through the museum’s 19,000 works of art.
Alternatively, book a scenic jeep tour of the desert or an ATV excursion for the whole family. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s also horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and river rafting.
Healthcare
Phoenix Arizona is a growing city with plenty of job opportunities. It’s a hub for software and technology companies like Uber, Yelp, Shutterfly, and Amazon.
The average salary in Phoenix is around $106,000 per year, and salaries tend to increase year-over-year. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living in order to determine whether your income is enough to support a comfortable lifestyle.
Housing is a major expense for most people. It includes monthly rent or mortgage payments, as well as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance premiums. The cost of housing also varies greatly depending on your location and the amenities offered by the area.
Transportation is another major expense that most people face, and it can add up quickly. In Phoenix, residents spend about 19 percent of their budgets on transport (compared to a national average of 16.2 percent).
While public transit is available, most people choose to drive because it’s easy and inexpensive. Gas prices aren’t as expensive as they are in other parts of the country, and the desert climate means that you don’t have to worry about severe weather.
Healthcare is another important expense for most people, and it can be a large part of your overall budget. The average American spends $2,607 on healthcare costs each year, while a family of four spends $7,925.
Medical costs in Phoenix are significantly lower than in the rest of the country, according to a new report from the Health Care Cost Institute. In 2016, the overall cost of healthcare services was 12 percent below the national average in Phoenix and 22 percent below the national average in Tucson.
The report breaks down prices into inpatient, outpatient, and professional services, and it found that each cost less than the national average in both cities. The cost of inpatient services increased at a faster rate in Tucson than the national average, while prices for outpatient services grew at a slower rate.
The average American spends about 28% of their salary on housing, and the cost of housing in Phoenix is higher than the national average by a few percentage points. This is due to the rising prices of homes in the area, which means that homeowners are forced to pay higher monthly payments and mortgage interest rates.
