6 Phoenix neighborhoods where rent costs less than $1,200

A modest budget doesn’t have to mean living in squalor. There are many Phoenix neighborhoods where rent is still under $1,200. 

Between institutions buying houses in hoards, flippers saturating the market, short-term rentals shining like diamonds for those chasing the dream of landlording, and many other modern factors, rental prices have skyrocketed across the country. It is no secret that finding a rental that is less than half of your monthly income is next to impossible. However, there are many inexpensive places to rent in Phoenix, many of which still have rent under $1,200!

Zillow currently has more than 700 rentals available for under $1,200 that are at least one bedroom, with studios as low as $600. To search for yourself—in case you come across this list a little too late—type “Phoenix” into the Zillow map search bar, select the appropriate “max price,” and then put in your minimum desired number of rooms and bathrooms. This will yield many results. You can even narrow it down based on other factors, such as pets, amenities, square footage, laundry facilities, parking, and more. It is feasible to find a place that meets your needs while staying within your budget.

Fortunately for us Phoenicians, as of January of this year, rental tax is no longer allowed. So aside from fees for amenities and pet rent, rental prices tend to be as listed—cue the fireworks and celebration. This means fewer surprises today than there were a year ago, aas far as rent goes.

So without further ado, here are neighborhoods where you can currently (at the time of writing) find a rental for under $1,200.

1. Encanto Village

Quite enchanting for those seeking city living, Encanto Village includes the Midtown and Melrose districts and is home to both the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum. It is also known for being dog-friendly and having clean sidewalks and well-kept yards. Encanto also has studio apartments for as low as $600, one-bedroom apartments for just over $700, and two-bedroom apartments for under $1,200.

2. Ahwatukee Foothills

Ahwatukee Foothills, located in the Southeast corner of Phoenix, hosts stunning mountain hikes, a manicured aesthetic, and a high safety rating. It is also known for being a family-friendly destination. What it lacks in hustle and bustle, it makes up for in tranquility and pricing. Currently, one-bedroom apartments are renting for as low as $760.

*In case you were curious, it is pronounced ah-wah-two-key.

3. Deer Valley 

Waterparks, hiking trails, museums, and high safety ratings make the Deer Valley neighborhood shine like the bright sun overhead. While it is recognized as an excellent and affordable place to buy a house, one-bedroom rentals start around $900. Renting here is a great way to put down roots and eventually save up enough to buy in the same neighborhood.

4. Maryvale 

Do you enjoy spring training? On the western edge of the city, Maryvale was one of the first master-planned communities in Phoenix, offering the American Dream to Phoenicians in the 1950s. It also has two different MLB spring training facilities, making it the perfect place to rent for Arizonans who appreciate the annual activity. Even if baseball isn’t quite your favorite all-American pastime, one-bedroom rentals start at $780. Living in Maryvale means living in an updated version of the original suburban dream.

5. Alhambra 

While other neighborhoods have a few rentals to choose from, Alhambra stands out as very affordable, boasting dozens of rentals available for under $1,000 per month. This includes not only one-bedroom apartments and studios starting at $750, but also two-bedroom apartments starting at under $1,000.

Alhambra is one of the historical neighborhoods of Phoenix, growing in response to a population boom after World War II when soldiers stationed at Luke Air Base decided to find stability within the warmth of the city—or, rather, the heat of the city. The majority of the houses here were built between the 1930s and ’50s, adding to the charm. Alhambra is also home to Phoenix’s first strip shopping center and is now built around a fun shopping center known as Christown Spectrum Mall.

6. North Mountain

Recently ranked as the best affordable neighborhood in Phoenix, North Mountain offers iconic mountain views, outdoor adventures, shopping, and dining, all within a relatively low-crime rate area. The average rent for the area is $1,350, but there are several dozen rentals currently available that range in price from $750 to $1,200, depending on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and amenities. There are also many rentals that have unique layouts and the signature southwest arches as part of their indoor architecture.

Finding the right rental for you 

Finding the perfect rental can be a joy-filled experience. Years ago, when my husband and I first began living together, we found great fun in exploring available apartments, imagining what life could be like in certain neighborhoods, and how to design and furnish the space to make it our very own sanctuary from work and responsibility.

While that was yesteryear, a few considerations still apply to apartment hunting, such as location (Is it close enough to work and school?), vibe (Do your lifestyle and personality match the surrounding area?), and finally, budget (Do the numbers make sense?). When budgeting, keep in mind that rentals typically involve a 12-month lease and move-in fees that may include the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a deposit. Some deposits, such as cleaning fees and pet deposits, are non-refundable, so be sure to set aside a couple hundred for that.

While it can be costly to secure the right spot, the lower rental prices in these neighborhoods make it all the more feasible. Have fun hunting, and may the perfect rental be waiting for you!

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