Housing Costs in Goodyear

Housing is typically the biggest expense for Goodyear residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Goodyear is around $1,600 per month. For a 3-bedroom house, expect to pay between $2,000 and $2,500 monthly in rent or mortgage payments.
Goodyear offers a mix of housing options, from apartments and condos to single-family homes. Newer developments on the cityβs edges tend to have higher prices and HOA fees, while older neighborhoods closer to central Goodyear are relatively more affordable.
- Studio apartment: $1,100 β $1,400
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300 β $1,600
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500 β $1,800
- 3-bedroom house: $2,000 β $2,500
- 4-bedroom house: $2,400 β $3,000+
Keep in mind that many neighborhoods have mandatory HOA fees, which can add $200 β $400 to your monthly housing costs. However, these fees often include amenities like community pools, parks, and security.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Goodyear are slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to the intense summer heat. Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs spiking to $300+ during July and August when air conditioning is a must.
Natural gas, if available, runs about $30 β $50 monthly. Water, sewer, and trash are often bundled into one bill, totaling $60 β $80 per month for an apartment or small house.
Utility | Apartment | House |
---|---|---|
Electricity | $150 β $250 | $200 β $350 |
Natural gas | $30 β $50 | $40 β $70 |
Water, sewer, trash | $60 β $80 | $70 β $100 |
Internet | $50 β $80 | $50 β $100 |
To manage utility costs, look for apartments with good insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer can also make a big difference.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Goodyear are on par with the Phoenix metro average. Plan to budget around $300 β $400 per month per person for groceries, depending on your diet and shopping habits.
A typical grocery basket containing staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce, and chicken or fish will cost about $50 β $70 at stores like Fryβs, Safeway, or Walmart Neighborhood Market. Dining out at a casual restaurant runs $12 β $18 per person, while a nicer meal out can easily top $30 β $40 per person.
Donβt forget to factor in household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods, which can add another $50 β $80 to your monthly expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Arizonaβs income tax rates are relatively low, ranging from 2.59% to 4.50% as of 2025. However, Goodyear residents also pay a number of other taxes and fees:
- Sales tax: 8.3% (6.3% state + 2% city)
- Property tax: 0.802% of assessed home value
- Vehicle registration: $8 per $100 of assessed value
For a $250,000 home, annual property taxes would be around $2,005. Vehicle registration for a $20,000 car would cost $160 per year.
Some neighborhoods also charge additional fees for services like trash pickup, community maintenance, or security. These can range from $20 β $100+ per month, so be sure to ask about any extra fees when considering a rental or home purchase.
Monthly Budget Summary
Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
---|---|---|---|
Housing | $1,100 β $1,600 | $1,500 β $2,200 | $2,000 β $3,000 |
Utilities | $250 β $400 | $300 β $500 | $400 β $600 |
Groceries | $300 β $400 | $600 β $800 | $900 β $1,200 |
Transportation | $200 β $300 | $300 β $500 | $400 β $800 |
Healthcare | $200 β $300 | $400 β $600 | $800 β $1,200 |
Other | $200 β $300 | $300 β $500 | $500 β $800 |
Monthly Total | $2,250 β $3,300 | $3,400 β $5,100 | $5,000 β $7,600 |
Based on these estimates, a single person in Goodyear would need to earn a gross monthly income of at least $2,250 to cover basic living expenses. A couple should aim for $3,400+ per month, while a family of four will need $5,000 or more.
Keep in mind that these are general estimates. Your actual cost of living will depend on factors like your housing, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Lifestyle Considerations
Goodyear offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation and big-city amenities. Residents enjoy hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and community parks. Downtown Phoenix is just a 30-minute drive away.
However, this convenience comes at a cost. Housing prices in Goodyear are higher than in some neighboring cities like Avondale or Tolleson. Newer homes with modern finishes and amenities command a premium, while older homes in established neighborhoods are more affordable.
Most Goodyear residents commute by car, with an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour on main roads like I-10 and Loop 303. Public transit options are limited, so factor vehicle expenses into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live in Goodyear?
To live comfortably in Goodyear, aim for a gross monthly income of at least $2,250 for a single person, $3,400 for a couple, or $5,000 for a family of four. However, your actual needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle and expenses. -
Is Goodyear cheaper than Phoenix?
Housing costs in Goodyear are slightly lower than in Phoenix proper. However, Goodyear prices are on par with or higher than some other West Valley suburbs like Avondale, Tolleson, or Buckeye. -
Are utilities expensive in Goodyear?
Utilities in Goodyear are slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to high summer cooling costs. Expect to pay $200 β $350 per month for electricity and gas for a typical apartment or small house. -
How much do you need to make to buy a house in Goodyear?
To afford a median-priced home in Goodyear (around $350,000 as of 2025), youβll need a household income of at least $80,000 β $100,000, assuming a 10% down payment and 30-year mortgage at 3.5% interest. Actual requirements will vary based on your credit, debt, and other factors. -
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Goodyear?
Some of the most affordable areas of Goodyear include the central neighborhoods around Western Avenue and Litchfield Road, as well as the Palm Valley and Estrella Mountain Ranch communities. However, prices and availability are always changing, so work with a local real estate agent to find the best options for your budget.
The Bottom Line
Living in Goodyear, AZ offers a high quality of life, with abundant sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a family-friendly suburban feel. However, itβs important to understand the full cost of living before making the move.
As of 2025, a typical monthly budget for a couple in Goodyear might look like:
- Housing: $1,500 β $2,200
- Utilities: $300 β $500
- Groceries and dining out: $600 β $800
- Transportation: $300 β $500
- Healthcare and insurance: $400 β $600
- Other expenses and savings: $300 β $500
That means a couple would need to earn a combined gross monthly income of around $4,200 to live comfortably in Goodyear while saving for the future. Of course, your actual budget will depend on your specific needs, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Use the estimates in this guide as a starting point for your Goodyear budget. Consider both the hard costs like housing and the softer tradeoffs like commute times and recreational opportunities. With careful planning, you can enjoy all that Goodyear has to offer without breaking the bank.