Arizona

Rent or Buy in Arizona?

Compare the true cost of renting versus buying across 24 cities in Arizona. Get personalized calculations with real market data updated for 2026.

$466K
Avg Home Price
$1,906
Avg Monthly Rent
24
Cities Covered

Select Your City in Arizona

Phoenix

Arizona

Median Home Price:$465K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,900
Homes Sold:1,170
It's close - run the numbers

Mesa

Arizona

Median Home Price:$458K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,871
Homes Sold:408
It's close - run the numbers

Scottsdale

Arizona

Median Home Price:$899K
Avg Monthly Rent:$3,675
Homes Sold:365
It's close - run the numbers

Tucson

Arizona

Median Home Price:$321K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,310
Homes Sold:332
It's close - run the numbers

Surprise

Arizona

Median Home Price:$420K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,717
Homes Sold:272
It's close - run the numbers

Buckeye

Arizona

Median Home Price:$405K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,656
Homes Sold:220
It's close - run the numbers

Chandler

Arizona

Median Home Price:$512K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,093
Homes Sold:213
It's close - run the numbers

Gilbert

Arizona

Median Home Price:$575K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,351
Homes Sold:205
It's close - run the numbers

San Tan Valley

Arizona

Median Home Price:$420K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,717
Homes Sold:187
It's close - run the numbers

Peoria

Arizona

Median Home Price:$543K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,220
Homes Sold:185
It's close - run the numbers

Goodyear

Arizona

Median Home Price:$469K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,919
Homes Sold:161
It's close - run the numbers

Glendale

Arizona

Median Home Price:$432K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,765
Homes Sold:136
It's close - run the numbers

Queen Creek

Arizona

Median Home Price:$640K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,616
Homes Sold:118
It's close - run the numbers

Lake Havasu City

Arizona

Median Home Price:$431K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,762
Homes Sold:114
It's close - run the numbers

Sun City

Arizona

Median Home Price:$275K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,124
Homes Sold:114
It's close - run the numbers

Maricopa

Arizona

Median Home Price:$345K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,410
Homes Sold:99
It's close - run the numbers

Tempe

Arizona

Median Home Price:$469K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,915
Homes Sold:95
It's close - run the numbers

Marana

Arizona

Median Home Price:$413K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,687
Homes Sold:87
It's close - run the numbers

Prescott

Arizona

Median Home Price:$595K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,433
Homes Sold:85
It's close - run the numbers

Catalina Foothills

Arizona

Median Home Price:$689K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,817
Homes Sold:81
It's close - run the numbers

Yuma

Arizona

Median Home Price:$293K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,198
Homes Sold:75
It's close - run the numbers

Prescott Valley

Arizona

Median Home Price:$456K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,863
Homes Sold:72
It's close - run the numbers

Green Valley

Arizona

Median Home Price:$293K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,198
Homes Sold:69
It's close - run the numbers

Sun City West

Arizona

Median Home Price:$375K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,533
Homes Sold:65
It's close - run the numbers

Rent vs Buy in Arizona: What You Need to Know

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home in Arizona is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. The answer isn't the same for everyone—it depends on your specific situation, the city you're considering, and current market conditions.

Market Overview

Across Arizona, the average home price is around $466,287, while average monthly rent sits at $1,906. However, these numbers vary significantly by city. Some markets strongly favor renting, while others make buying the clear winner.

Key Factors to Consider

  • How long you plan to stay: Buying typically makes more sense if you'll stay 5+ years
  • Local market conditions: Price-to-rent ratios vary widely across Arizona
  • Hidden costs: Property taxes, maintenance, and HOA fees add up quickly
  • Opportunity cost: Money in a down payment can't be invested elsewhere
  • Lifestyle flexibility: Renting offers more mobility and less responsibility

How to Use This Calculator

Select your city above to get a personalized rent vs buy analysis. Our calculator uses real market data from Arizona and considers 59+ financial factors including:

  • Current home prices and rental rates in your specific city
  • Property taxes and insurance costs
  • Mortgage rates and down payment scenarios
  • Expected appreciation and inflation
  • Maintenance, HOA, and closing costs
  • Investment opportunity costs

The calculator will show you the true total cost of each option over your time horizon, helping you make an informed decision based on real numbers, not emotions.