Living comfortably in Peoria, AZ typically requires a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of around $4,500 for a couple or small family in 2025. For a single person, a gross income of $3,200/month allows for a balanced lifestyle in this growing Phoenix suburb.
Housing Costs in Peoria
Housing is the biggest expense for most Peoria residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Peoria is approximately $1,650 per month. For a 3-bedroom single-family home, typical rent falls between $2,100 and $2,400 monthly.
Buying a home in Peoria requires budgeting for a mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and potentially HOA fees. A 3-bedroom house at the median Peoria price point of $450,000 translates to a monthly mortgage of roughly $2,200 (assuming 10% down). HOA fees are common in Peoria’s many master-planned communities, typically adding $100-300 per month.
Peoria offers a range of housing options to fit different budgets:
- Older 2BR apartments: $1,400 – $1,600/month
- Newer 2BR apartments: $1,700 – $2,000/month
- 3BR house for rent: $2,100 – $2,400/month
- Mortgage on $400K house: $2,000/month
- Mortgage on $500K house: $2,400/month
Utility Costs in Peoria
Utility bills are a significant part of the cost of living in Peoria, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning is a must. For a 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity and gas. Water, sewer, and trash add another $70-90 monthly. Internet and streaming services cost about $100/month.
Utility costs rise with square footage. In a 3-bedroom single-family home, a typical monthly utility breakdown might look like:
| Electricity (with A/C) | $250 |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water, sewer, trash | $110 |
| Internet/streaming | $120 |
| Total | $520 |
It’s important to note that electric bills often spike in the summer, when temperatures routinely top 100°F. Keeping a Peoria home cool in July and August can easily add $100+ to the typical monthly electric bill.
Food and Grocery Costs
Groceries are a substantial part of the monthly budget in Peoria. Expect to spend at least $400 per month on groceries for a single person, and $800 or more for a couple. A gallon of milk costs about $3.50, while a loaf of bread is around $2.80.
Dining out adds to the monthly food budget. A meal at a mid-range Peoria restaurant averages $18 per person, while fast food is closer to $8. Many residents balance cooking at home with eating out.
Here’s an example monthly food budget for a couple in Peoria:
- Groceries: $850
- Dining out (3x/week): $400
- Coffee/snacks: $150
- Total: $1,400
Taxes and Fees in Peoria
Peoria’s property tax rate is 0.802%, slightly higher than the national average. For a $450,000 home, annual property taxes would be approximately $3,600 or $300 per month.
Sales tax in Peoria is 8.8%, which includes state, county and city levies. A 2% tax is added to utilities like electricity, gas and phones.
Vehicle registration fees in Peoria depend on a car’s value. For a $25,000 vehicle, the annual registration cost is about $600. Drivers must also pay for emissions testing every two years, which costs $27.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,650 | $1,650 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $370 | $420 | $520 |
| Groceries | $400 | $850 | $1,100 |
| Dining Out | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $550 | $800 |
| Other | $300 | $400 | $600 |
| Monthly Total | $3,420 | $4,570 | $6,220 |
| Annual Gross Income Required | $50,000 | $66,000 | $90,000 |
These figures provide a high-level estimate of the gross monthly income (pre-tax) needed to live comfortably in Peoria. Individuals can adjust these numbers based on their lifestyle, family size, and housing choices.
Lifestyle Considerations
Peoria offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to jobs and amenities in the Phoenix metro area. Many neighborhoods feature community pools, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.
Commute times vary based on location and destination. Driving from north Peoria to downtown Phoenix takes about 45 minutes, while a commute to Glendale or Scottsdale is closer to 30 minutes.
Peoria’s range of housing means residents can choose based on their budget and preferences. Newer homes in master-planned communities often come with more amenities but also higher price tags and HOA fees. More affordable options exist in older neighborhoods and established apartment complexes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Peoria, AZ?
To live comfortably, a single person needs to make around $50,000 per year ($4,200/month) before taxes. A couple should aim for $66,000 annually ($5,500/month), while a family of four requires closer to $90,000 ($7,500/month).
Is Peoria, AZ expensive to live?
Compared to the national average, Peoria’s cost of living is slightly higher. However, it is more affordable than some other Phoenix suburbs like Scottsdale or Gilbert.
What is the average rent in Peoria, AZ?
As of 2025, average rent in Peoria is $1,650/month for a 2-bedroom apartment and $2,200/month for a 3-bedroom house.
Are utilities expensive in Peoria?
Utilities in Peoria can be costly, especially in the summer when electric bills rise with heavy air conditioning use. The average utility cost for a 2-bedroom apartment is $420/month.
What are property taxes like in Peoria?
The property tax rate in Peoria is 0.802%. On a $450,000 home, that equates to $3,600 per year or $300 per month.
Is Peoria a good place to raise a family?
Peoria can be a great place for families, with good schools, safe neighborhoods, community amenities and a reasonable cost of living compared to other parts of the Phoenix metro.
What is the sales tax rate in Peoria?
Peoria’s total sales tax rate is 8.8%, which includes state, county and city taxes. Groceries and prescription drugs are taxed at a lower rate of 1.8%.