13 Best Arizona Towns To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,800 or Less

Want to avoid wasting money in retirement? You can start by finding an affordable place to retire. Arizona is a favorite state of retirees thanks to its warm, dry climate, gorgeous natural landscapes, and low taxes.

There's no shortage of arts and culture here, and the rich stories of cities like Tucson are fascinating for their importance in both Native American and military history. That means you're likely to find a little something for everyone in The Grand Canyon State, so consider starting your retirement plan by checking out these 13 affordable cities where you'll live out your golden years in the desert sunshine.

Want to find a vibrant community close to the Mexican border that's rich in cultural events and has close-knit neighborhoods? Douglas will give you a warm welcome, along with an affordable way of life.

The median rent is $1,251 a month, groceries are 4% lower than the national average, and a cost of living that's 9% below the national average. Plus, healthcare is 7% lower than the national average, which is essential for seniors.

With the charm of a small town, a colorful history, and incredible restaurants thanks to its close proximity to Mexico, Eloy is a favorite of those looking for a budget-friendly retirement.

Housing expenses are a whopping 50% lower than the national average, with the median home price coming in at $251,581. That means you'll spend less of your monthly budget on the essentials.

Coolidge is known for its remarkably low cost of living, which includes housing that is 43% lower than the national average.

You can buy a house here for the median price of $282,020, and you'll find healthcare that's 7% lower than the national average. This small town is known for Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, as well as being a retreat for retirees who love hiking and outdoor activities.

Budget-friendly Casa Grande is another town with a lower than typical cost of living, with housing expenses coming in 24% lower than the national average.

This quiet small town has over 300 days of sunshine a year, which is ideal for those looking for a warm, pleasant place to retire with relatively low crime.

The cost of living in Yuma is 12% lower than the national average and housing expenses are 29% lower, so you'll find an affordable way of life here in the desert.

If you're looking to spend some of your newfound down time in the kitchen, you'll be in luck when you move to Yuma, since grocery prices are around 13% lower than the national average.

Located in the Sonoran Desert and on the banks of the Colorado River, this is an ideal spot for hikers and plein air painters — a phrase used to describe those who like to paint outside in the elements — alike. Plus, there's a vibrant downtown to keep you busy when you're looking for something more fast-paced.

Most people don't typically think of Arizona when they're looking for waterfront living, but Bullhead City is uniquely positioned on the Colorado River, which allows residents easy access to both water activities and a beautiful view.

It's also close to the Grand Canyon, so hikers are in luck. Not only that, but the cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, and housing expenses are 6% lower.

Retire to Kingman, and you'll enjoy housing expenses that are 6% lower than the national average and an overall cost of living that's 7% lower.

This affordable place to retire is beloved for its proximity to outdoor activities, including hiking trails, the Grand Canyon, and the Cerbat Mountains. You'll also find cultural activities like the Mohave Museum of History and Arts and the Historic Route 66 Museum, which are not only interesting for your own enjoyment but perfect for when you have guests in town.

Do you envision your golden years as a time to stay active and relish in all of your newfound free time? Come to San Luis, where you can enjoy 660 acres of parks, as well as the Colorado River, hiking trails, and public athletic complexes.

The cost of living here is 17% lower than the national average, while housing is 39% lower and groceries are 13% lower, leaving you plenty of money leftover each month so that you can spend it on the things (and people) you love.

If you want to be in close proximity to larger Arizona cities like Tucson, but you want a more affordable way of life, then head to Golden Valley. Here, you'll find a cost of living that's 7% lower than the national average.

Not only that, but healthcare remains 7% lower than the national average, which is important when you enter your golden years.

While a cost of living that's 9% lower than the national average is appealing to retirees, it's the housing expenses coming in at 40% lower than national average that's the real draw in Apache Junction.

This small town right below the Superstition Mountains is the ideal spot for adventurers looking for an affordable way of life that's close to the beauty of nature.

If you're looking for a place where you can retire affordably in Arizona you'll want to look to Nogales, where the cost of living is 12% below the national average. You'll find a lot to love in this budget-friendly city, including gorgeous desert landscapes, hiking trails, and bird watching.

The cost of living in Springerville is 6% below the national average, but the housing is even more affordable at 37% below the national average.

This mountain town is known as the Gateway to the White Mountains, and thanks to its elevation at 7,000 feet, it has four seasons — something not many Arizona cities can say.

There is a bustling downtown, as well as outdoor activities from fishing at Becker Lake to exploring the wildlife at the Little Colorado River Walk.

Discover the beauty of The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S. while also enjoying some of the most affordable living in Arizona.

The cost of living in this gorgeous city is 9% lower than the national average, the housing is 17% lower, groceries are 4% lower, and healthcare is 7% lower. There's also a mild, dry climate for those who don't want extreme heat.

Want to see if you can retire sooner? Checking out affordable towns in your ideal state is your first step.

You can find a place where you'll be able to retire on the amount you receive each month from the Social Security Administration in nearly every region. All you need to do to get started is to consider where you'd like to spend the rest of your days, and start looking into which cities will help you live your retirement dreams according to your budget.