Income Needed to Buy a Home in Arizona (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $116,046/year (#18 least affordable of 51 US states)
Arizona ranks #18 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $423,330 requires a household income of about $116,046. That's $34,560 more than the median household actually earns ($81,486) — a shortfall of 42% of typical income.
Arizona's affordability ratio of 1.42 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 11.5% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 22.1% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.44% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $155, softening the total payment, while homeowners insurance runs about $2,331/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,708.
Arizona monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $423,330 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $380,997 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,358 |
| Monthly property tax (0.44% rate) | $155 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $194 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,708 |
| Required household income | $116,046 |
| Median household income | $81,486 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Arizona compares
- Vermont — similar affordability (ratio 1.41, requires $117,012)
- District of Columbia — similar affordability (ratio 1.43, requires $157,359)
- Nevada — similar affordability (ratio 1.46, requires $118,343)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Arizona in 2026?
About $116,046 per year to afford the median-priced home of $423,330, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Arizona household earns $81,486.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Arizona?
Roughly $2,708 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Arizona affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $34,560 (42%), ranking Arizona #18 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.