Arizona's 30 Largest Cities and Towns Ranked for Local Taxes

Arizona is a hot destination for retirees and other people looking to relocate—and I'm not talking about the weather.

Map of Arizona
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arizona is a hot destination for retirees and other people looking to relocate—and I'm not talking about the weather. From July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018, more than 83,000 people moved to Arizona from other states. That's second only to Florida in terms of population growth from domestic migration during that time period.

The Grand Canyon State's sizzling population growth is partly due to its low state tax burden. It's the eighth-most taxpayer-friendly state in the country, according to our latest rankings. That favorable assessment is based largely on Arizona's low state income taxes, but you can still get burned by local property and sales taxes depending on where you live (property taxes typically drain your wallet the most). So if you're packing your bags and heading to Arizona, or looking to relocate within the state, do yourself a favor and compare the local tax rates first. To make that comparison easier, we ranked the 30 largest cities and towns in Arizona (including "census designated places") based on the estimated local tax burden (from highest to lowest). Our estimates reflect what a hypothetical couple would pay in common county and municipal taxes in each location if they moved there and purchased a $250,000 home. Check out our list to see where you can go to cool down your overall tax bill.

Disclaimer

Property taxes and transaction privilege (sales) taxes on retail sales, groceries, restaurants and bars, utilities (electricity, natural gas and water), and communications services are considered. Local transaction privilege taxes are levied by both counties and cities in Arizona. For more information about our methodology, see the final slide.

Rocky Mengle

Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.