Arizona Cities Rank Among Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in 2025

As home prices continue to rise nationwide, many potential buyers are asking the same question: Is it still possible to find an affordable place to buy a home? A new 2025 study by WalletHub offers promising news for Arizonans—several cities in the Grand Canyon State are ranked among the most affordable places to purchase a home in the country.

WalletHub's analysis compared 300 U.S. cities across 10 key metrics, including housing affordability, maintenance costs, real-estate tax rates, and vacancy rates. The report also considered homeowner’s insurance costs, cost of living, and rent-to-price ratios to provide a comprehensive look at where buying a home remains financially feasible.

Arizona Cities That Made the List

Among the top 50 most affordable cities, Surprise secured the #4 spot nationwide with a total affordability score of 72.05, making it the highest-ranked Arizona city on the list. Close behind is Yuma, which placed #6 with a score of 71.26. Other notable mentions include:

Mesa – Ranked #28
Gilbert – Ranked #30
Peoria – Ranked #36
Tucson – Ranked #44
Chandler – Ranked #52
Glendale – Ranked #72
Tempe – Ranked #103
Scottsdale – Ranked #130
Phoenix – Ranked #65 overall, and #19 among large cities

While Phoenix didn’t make the top 50, it’s worth noting its strong performance in categories like real-estate tax rate (16th), homeowner's insurance cost (17th), and home-price appreciation (19th). However, challenges persist with affordability factors like cost of living (147th), maintenance affordability (146th), and cost per square foot (176th).

Rising Prices and Buyer Considerations

According to the report, the median U.S. home sales price surged from $313,000 in Q1 of 2019 to $416,900 in Q1 of 2025, pushing affordability out of reach for many buyers. These rising costs, coupled with elevated interest rates, make it crucial for buyers to explore markets where housing remains within reach.

WalletHub’s rankings offer a helpful roadmap for identifying cities where the American Dream is still attainable, and Arizona continues to shine as a strong contender—especially in cities outside the typical Phoenix and Scottsdale hotspots.

Stay Informed with Arizona Real Estate Trends

For home buyers, investors, and residents looking to stay ahead of market trends in Arizona, The Studebaker Group provides expert insights, market updates, and curated listings that match your lifestyle and goals.