Retiring in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #3 of 51 nationally for retirement friendliness (89/100 vs national avg 73/100). Housing costs are #36 of 51 cheapest, and cost of living overall is close to the US average.

Retirement Score

Median Home

$415k

Nat'l avg $358k

Cost of Living

102(US=100)

Nat'l avg 103

Climate

warm dry

Healthcare

80/100

Reasons to Retire Here

✓No SS tax
✓Sunny climate
✓Strong senior communities
✓Growing healthcare hub

Trade-Offs to Know

•Very hot summers
•Water scarcity concerns
•Housing costs rising

Climate for Older Adults

Arizona's climate is varied climate across the state.

Total Financial Picture

The key financial factors for a Arizona retirement:

• Housing: Median home value $415,000. That's about $57k more expensive than the national median.
• Cost of living index: 102 vs 100 US baseline — everyday goods like groceries, gas, and services run close to the US average.
• Tax friendliness: 82/100 — Social Security is exempt; pensions are partially exempt. See the full Arizona tax guide.
• Healthcare access: 80/100 — excellent specialist and hospital access statewide.
• Safety: 62/100 — average safety statewide with meaningful city-to-city variation.

Arizona sits in the top tier for retirement — a strong overall pick, especially if the climate and lifestyle match what you want.

Safety & Crime

62/100

Average safety statewide with significant city-to-city variation. Research specific towns before choosing.

Common Questions — Retiring in Arizona

Is Arizona a tax-friendly state for retirees?

Arizona scores 82/100 on our tax friendliness scale. Social Security is exempt, but other retirement income is taxed. Property tax relief for seniors varies. See the full state tax breakdown.

What's the median home price in Arizona?

About $415,000 statewide, though costs vary significantly by city. Popular retirement communities and coastal areas tend to run above the state median; rural areas run below.