Phoenix Vs. Suburbs

Living in the Greater Phoenix area means deciding between the city’s energy and the suburbs’ extra space. But when it comes to cost, the choice isn’t always straightforward. Does living outside the city really save you money? Let’s break it down and see how Phoenix stacks up to its suburbs. And of course, other cities across the country.

Costs In Phoenix & Nearby Suburbs

Living in Phoenix costs less than in many of its suburbs. Here’s a snapshot of average annual costs:

• Phoenix: $55,661 (Livability score: 76)
• Goodyear: $85,714 (Livability score: 76)
• Chandler: $63,076 (Livability score: 79)
• Gilbert: $66,797 (Livability score: 89)

Goodyear’s high costs stand out, while Chandler and Gilbert are only slightly more expensive than Phoenix. Still, Gilbert’s livability score makes it a strong contender for those who can stretch their budget.

Takeaway

Phoenix is the more affordable choice for those prioritizing price. Suburbs like Gilbert may justify the extra cost with higher livability and more space.

Comparing Phoenix To Other U.S. Cities

How does Phoenix measure up against other major cities and their suburbs? Here’s a look at the numbers:

• Seattle: City $92,451 vs. suburbs up to $180,287 (Mercer Island)
• Detroit: City $32,782 vs. suburbs up to $74,269 (Bloomfield Hills)
• Houston: City $44,452 vs. suburbs up to $57,816 (Sugar Land)
• Phoenix: City $55,661 vs. suburbs up to $85,714 (Goodyear)

While Phoenix isn’t the cheapest, its suburban costs don’t balloon as much as in cities like Seattle. In Detroit, the city itself remains significantly cheaper than its suburbs.

What Does This Mean?

Phoenix offers a middle-ground cost profile compared to extremes in cities like Seattle and Detroit. Suburban living in Phoenix is costly but less dramatic than in other areas.

What You Get For Your Money

A livability score reflects the quality of life, including amenities, commute times, and community satisfaction. Here’s how Phoenix compares:

• Phoenix: 76 – Solid amenities, urban convenience.
• Gilbert: 89 – Higher score with family-friendly features.
• Chandler: 79 – Great balance of cost and quality.
• Goodyear: 76 – Matching Phoenix, but pricier.

The Bottom Line

If livability is your priority, Gilbert stands out. For budget-conscious city dwellers, Phoenix offers better value with decent livability.

Space, Costs, & Lifestyle

Deciding between Phoenix and its suburbs comes down to lifestyle. Suburbs provide more room, but not always for less money.

• Phoenix: Affordable with city conveniences.
• Gilbert: Spacious homes with strong community appeal.
• Chandler: Balanced living with reasonable costs.
• Goodyear: Expensive without a livability advantage.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking space and top-tier livability, Gilbert may be worth the higher costs. If affordability and city life are key, Phoenix remains a strong choice. If you're considering purchasing real estate, we would love to earn your business. As full-time real estate agents in Arizona, we know this market well. Questions? Feel free to contact us using the below contact form.