Quick answer
Nevada is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $411,850 versus $412,250. Arizona shows +1.7% population change and Nevada +1.7%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
| Metric | Arizona | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $412,250 | $411,850 |
| Median rent | $1,795/mo | $1,541/mo |
| Household income | $103,578 | $82,714 |
| Population change | +1.7% | +1.7% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 383 | 384 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.0× | 5.0× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | None |
Arizona in numbers
Median home value
$412,250
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,795/mo
Household income
$103,578
Violent crime / 100k
383
Arizona, 2025
Population change
+1.7%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+12.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
4.0×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Creek, AZ | 78 | $576,600 | $2,176 | $134,719 | +7.4% |
| Oro Valley, AZ | 73 | $440,400 | $1,602 | $105,342 | +1.2% |
| Green Valley, AZ | 72 | $264,300 | $1,135 | $58,268 | +3.1% |
| Marana, AZ | 71 | $380,100 | $1,702 | $108,256 | +3.7% |
| Maricopa, AZ | 70 | $338,600 | $1,919 | $94,208 | +5.7% |
| Catalina Foothills, AZ | 69 | $604,100 | $1,332 | $113,201 | +2.3% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinal County | 71 | $312,100 | $1,417 | $77,588 | +3.7% |
| Yavapai County | 67 | $392,900 | $1,258 | $66,106 | +1.6% |
| Graham County | 66 | $202,700 | $890 | $67,326 | +1.1% |
| Greenlee County | 64 | $136,300 | $570 | $75,239 | -0.3% |
| Yuma County | 58 | $195,700 | $983 | $60,417 | +1.6% |
| Cochise County | 55 | $207,400 | $939 | $58,970 | -0.0% |
Nevada in numbers
Median home value
$411,850
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,541/mo
Household income
$82,714
Violent crime / 100k
384
Nevada, 2025
Population change
+1.7%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+8.0%
State wage income tax
None
Home value ÷ income
5.0×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise, NV | 79 | $449,300 | $1,823 | $93,980 | +2.9% |
| Fernley, NV | 71 | $352,600 | $1,463 | $87,991 | +2.6% |
| Summerlin South, NV | 69 | $641,600 | $2,400 | $113,301 | +1.2% |
| Mesquite, NV | 68 | $374,400 | $1,114 | $74,439 | +3.2% |
| Henderson, NV | 62 | $465,000 | $1,750 | $88,654 | +2.0% |
| Whitney, NV | 60 | $299,700 | $1,477 | $63,480 | +3.5% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County | 69 | $587,400 | $1,545 | $88,018 | +0.3% |
| Lyon County | 62 | $342,600 | $1,259 | $73,460 | +2.0% |
| Elko County | 59 | $282,400 | $1,126 | $83,427 | +0.5% |
| White Pine County | 54 | $196,700 | $933 | $72,294 | -1.6% |
| Churchill County | 52 | $298,000 | $1,203 | $73,268 | +0.8% |
| Washoe County | 51 | $496,600 | $1,507 | $85,600 | +1.0% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Arizona vs. Nevada: Better Place to Live in 2027?
Nevada is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $411,850 versus $412,250. Arizona shows +1.7% population change and Nevada +1.7%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
What are the best places to live in Arizona?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Arizona cities are Queen Creek, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Marana, Maricopa, and the top counties are Pinal County, Yavapai County, Graham County, Greenlee County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Arizona have a state income tax?
Yes, Arizona taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
