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9 Arizona Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,000 or Less

Give retirees and those about to retire an idea of which Arizona cities they can move to if they want to live off a budget of $2,000.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated March 13, 2025

Arizona is one of the best states for retirees. It's an ideal retirement location with year-round warm weather, stunning natural beauty, and a low state income tax rate. It's also a state where you can stretch your retirement dollars further while still maintaining a high quality of life.

As you look for retirement locations, living costs become an important factor. Here are nine charming cities in Arizona where you can retire on $2,000 or less a month.

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Benson

With a sprawling landscape that includes mountains and the San Pedro River Valley, Benson is an ideal retirement location for outdoor lovers. With an average rent of $1,150, the city is very affordable.

There's a definite small-town appeal, and the massive Kartchner Caverns State Park is nearby for adventure seekers. The overall cost of living is 9% below the national average, so it's a perfect place for you to settle down.

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Green Valley

Situated in the high desert, Green Valley is a perfect retirement community. Between the cooler summer temperatures and the lush climate, the town has many amenities geared specifically towards retirees.

The nonprofit Green Valley Recreation runs plenty of recreation centers with woodworking shops, tennis courts, racquetball, art galleries, fitness centers, and swimming pools. While the cost of living in Green Valley is a bit higher than some other cities on this list, it makes up for it with all the additional retirement-centered amenities.

Casa Grande

Affordability, coupled with plenty of natural beauty, makes Casa Grande an appealing retirement locale. Housing, in particular, is substantially cheaper, with the median rent coming in at $1,148 per month.

The city has a good mix of small-town charm with more modern amenities, and you'll find no shortage of outdoor activities. Plus, it's close enough to larger metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson, so you can easily go out of town for an adventure if you want.

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Show Low

A quaint and charming town in the White Mountains, Show Low is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and affordable retirement destination. Given its high elevation, the town has a much milder climate than the majority of the state, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

You'll have access to the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National forest, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking. With an average rent of $1,127 per month, Show Low is a very affordable and idyllic mountain town.

Wickenburg

Wickenburg offers rural charm and scenic beauty in the mountains outside of Phoenix. Like all places in the state, the town has plenty of sunshine, with over 300 days of clear skies a year.

Throw in the old-western vibe and the affordable cost of living, and Wickenburg is a great alternative to larger metro areas in the state. The golf courses and other amenities are far less crowded than in Phoenix, so it's the perfect place to retire and live out your western fantasies.

Payson

Another gorgeous mountain town, Payson, lies in the middle of the Mogollon Rim in the high desert. With a mild climate compared to other parts of the state and endless camping and hiking opportunities, the town has all the charming aspects of a perfect retirement community.

While living costs are slightly higher than other cities on this list, Payson still has lower-than-average rents. Renting a two-bedroom unit in the city will run $1,120 monthly, 21.7% lower than the national average.

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Kingman

Situated on the state's western edge, Kingman is a warm, inviting community with plenty of history, amenities, and outdoor activities. With a picturesque desert landscape and affordable housing, the town is a safe and inviting place to live.

There's also the annual Route 66 Harvest Festival between outdoor adventures to celebrate the historic highway that runs through town. Kingman is less than two hours away from Las Vegas, Nevada, so you can get your big city kicks anytime.

Sun City

As one of the first planned retirement communities in the United States, Sun City has everything you would want. You'll have plenty to keep you busy with resort-style amenities such as tennis courts, pools, golf courses, and dog parks.

For a retirement community, the cost of living is actually incredibly affordable, with the median rent standing at $1,194 per month. Plus, it has some of the best senior healthcare facilities in Arizona. It's still near Phoenix, and outdoor destinations such as Lake Pleasant, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon are nearby, so you can easily head out on an adventure.

Florence

Nestled along the Gila River between Tucson and Phoenix, Florence offers stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor activities. The town has a much lower cost of living than Tucson, as the median rent is $1,148 per month, 24% lower than the national average. Nearly 19% of the population is 65+, making it a popular retirement spot.

History buffs can explore the Pinal County Historical Museum or step back in time at McFarland State Historic Park, home to a preserved courthouse and historic buildings. Golfing enthusiasts can tee off at Three Parks Fairways Clubhouse, a scenic 9-hole course. Whether enjoying history, nature, or recreation, Florence provides retirees with an affordable and engaging lifestyle.

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Bottom line

Having a solid retirement plan will give you a great foundation to build on. That means choosing an affordable community to retire to, one that will provide you with all the amenities and community you seek.

Moving to a town with a low cost of living in a low income tax state like Arizona is a great thing to do if you're looking for a stress-free retirement. You've worked your entire life, so now you want to make sure your money is doing all the work for you!

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