Many people dream of retiring to Florida, but the sunny desert of Arizona has plenty to offer, too. The Grand Canyon State is home to many affordable places to live.
So, if you want to stretch your retirement savings , check out some of these cities in Arizona where frugal folks can retire for under $1,500. All rental figures come from Zumper.
Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel 1. Yuma
Yuma has almost 100,000 residents, so it’s a good option if you want to live in an affordable medium-sized town without compromising amenities such as restaurants and shops.
You can rent a one-bedroom in the city for an average monthly rent of $921, helping you keep more cash in your wallet and giving you plenty of extra room in your budget for other expenses.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Tucson
You might be surprised to find Tucson on this list of affordable places since it's the second-most populous city in Arizona.
But the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tucson is $1,100. Prices have been rising, though, so you may want to double-check the latest trends before you consider a move here.
3. Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista can be a great option if you are looking for an area with outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
You'll be able to afford some of the more exciting adventures here, thanks to an average rent of only $885 for a one-bedroom apartment.
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4. Bullhead City
You might think you will have to give up your favorite water activities if you move to Arizona, but Bullhead City proves that is not true.
The city’s location along the Colorado River allows you to head out for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $1,060 per month.
5. Douglas
Along the border with Mexico is Douglas, which boasts ranches to see and local restaurants to visit.
Rent is only $525 for a one-bedroom apartment, so you'll have plenty of money left over each month for other expenses.
6. Fortuna Foothills
Fortuna Foothills in southern Arizona could be another great option if you want to enjoy the benefits of Yuma.
A one-bedroom apartment in Fortuna Foothills is a little pricier than one in Yuma, but it can still be had for an average of $1,108 per month.
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Fort Mohave is another town along the Colorado River. It includes golf courses and water activities. Or, visit the Avi Resort & Casino in nearby Laughlin, Nevada, for entertainment.
Pick up a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Mohave for $1,126, which should give you some extra space in your budget .
8. Bisbee
Bisbee has a nice downtown with an arts and culture district that includes galleries, public art, and more.
You can also get a one-bedroom apartment for only $1,122, making it an affordable place to retire.
9. San Luis
Between Yuma and the Mexican border sits San Luis. Check out night races at the Cocopah Speedway in nearby Somerton or enjoy some of the local restaurants in San Luis itself.
You’ll also enjoy the cost of a one-bedroom apartment, which comes in at $895 per month.
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Enjoy plenty of outdoor activities on the waters of Lake Havasu when you move to Lake Havasu City.
On days when you don’t want to be out on the water, the area also offers plenty of off-roading and hiking activities.
You can get a one-bedroom for an average of $1,1103 per month in rent. It’s doable on a budget of $1,500 a month, but you will need to be frugal if you want to get ahead financially .
Bottom line
Whether you want to retire early or simply don't have a big nest egg, Arizona offers many affordable communities.
So, if the desert is calling, add the cities on this list to your roster of candidates for a new retirement home.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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