GOBankingRates conducted this 2025 study by identifying cities with populations of at least 100,000 that experienced both one-year and five-year population growth rates exceeding the national average, while also maintaining average rent or mortgage costs below the national level. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey for the years 2018, 2022, and 2023, which provided figures on total population, number of households, and median household income—key metrics used to determine population growth trends.

Metro Phoenix cities ranked within the top 20:

Goodyear (#2)

Peoria (#14)

Surprise (#16)

Chandler (#18)

Ranked in order from largest to smallest population change and most to least affordable are the 50 fastest-growing, most affordable cities in 2025.

50 Most Affordable Cities, Fastest Growing Cities in 2025

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