Goodyear, AZ vs. Buckeye, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Goodyear vs Buckeye. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Goodyear vs Buckeye in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Goodyear and Buckeye compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Goodyear | Buckeye |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,225 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Buckeye. Housing costs tend to be 15-20% lower in Buckeye compared to Goodyear.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major expense in the Phoenix area due to air conditioning needs. Typical monthly costs:
- Goodyear: $180-$250
- Buckeye: $160-$220
Both cities offer seasonal “time of use” plans to reduce peak hour rates. Goodyear also has a unique water conservation rebate program.
🏆 Winner: Buckeye has slightly lower utility costs on average, by about $30/month.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly similar between Goodyear and Buckeye. Expect to budget around $400-$600 per month for a typical family. Restaurant prices are comparable as well.
One notable difference: Goodyear has more upscale markets and specialty food stores, which can mean higher prices for gourmet items.
🏆 Winner: Buckeye has a slight edge on daily expenses, but it’s close.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes and no tax on groceries. Key differences between the cities:
- Goodyear has a slightly higher sales tax rate: 8.3% vs 7.6% in Buckeye
- Property taxes are about 0.6% in Goodyear and 0.7% in Buckeye
- Many Goodyear HOAs include landscaping and trash, while Buckeye HOA fees tend to be lower
🏆 Winner: Goodyear. The total tax burden is a bit lower, especially for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Goodyear | Buckeye |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $220 | $190 |
| Groceries | $500 | $475 |
| Transportation | $450 | $450 |
| Taxes | $600 | $650 |
| Misc | $350 | $350 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,620 | $4,215 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Buckeye offers lower housing costs, Goodyear provides benefits like:
- Shorter commutes to major employers in Phoenix
- More walkable neighborhoods and parks
- Closer proximity to the airport
However, Buckeye’s real estate prices are rising faster, making it attractive for investment. And summer temperatures average 5°F cooler in Buckeye due to elevation and desert winds.
7. FAQ
- Is Goodyear more affordable than Buckeye? Not quite – Buckeye has lower overall living costs by about 10%.
- Which city has lower rent? Buckeye rental prices are typically 15% less than comparable apartments in Goodyear.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Buckeye median home prices are around $75,000 lower as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
For most households, Buckeye offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Goodyear – primarily due to more affordable housing. However, Goodyear can still be a great fit for those prioritizing location, amenities, and commute times.
Budgets are highly personal, so we recommend building your own [Monthly Budget Examples for Goodyear Residents](/goodyear-az/monthly-budget/) or reviewing our full [Cost of Living in Goodyear (2025 Guide)](/goodyear-az/cost-overview/). With planning, you can find the ideal balance in either city.