← Back to US Cities

Peoria

Arizona · Phoenix Metro (West Valley)
Strong DanceWarmBudget Cost
77
/ 100 match score

Peoria is the most affordable major suburb in the Phoenix metro that still maintains good safety and amenities. Home to Arizona Broadway Theatre — a dedicated professional Equity musical theater venue unique in the metro.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
20/20
Family Safety
16/20
State Tax Burden
8/10
Healthcare Quality
13/20
Dance Training
9/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
5/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
2.5%
$9,000/yr
Est. after-tax income
$258,175
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$78,000
$60,000–$96,000 range
Annual surplus
+$180,175
King: 3.3×
Rent: 3BR family home
$1,800–$2,800/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$430,000
Dance Training
Arizona Broadway Theatre is IN Peoria — a dedicated Equity MT house producing year-round professional seasons. Ballet Arizona accessible via Loop 101. Multiple dance studios throughout.
Healthcare
IASIS Healthcare Peoria (now Steward Health) and Banner Boswell in Sun City nearby. West Valley has adequate but not exceptional healthcare infrastructure.
Career & Remote Work
AZ flat income tax 2.5%. Peoria is more affordable than east valley for the same tax advantage. State Farm Insurance regional campus nearby. Good for remote workers.
Musical Theater
Strong
Arizona Broadway Theatre — located in Peoria — has a youth academy program alongside its professional MT season, providing the most accessible professional training institution in the West Valley. Deer Valley and Peoria USD school performing arts programs have solid theater at the high school level. East Valley competition studios are accessible. Active Arizona competition circuit. Good training environment for a West Valley family serious about MT.
Safety
Violent crime rate:120 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +AZ income tax only 2.5%
  • +Arizona Broadway Theatre (Equity MT) right in the city
  • +Most affordable Phoenix suburb on list
  • +Ballet Arizona accessible
  • +Warm year-round
Cons
  • −Extreme heat summers
  • −Schools less strong than east valley
  • −Less tech employment than east valley
  • −Car-dependent
  • −Water scarcity
Quick Stats
School rating
7/10
Healthcare rating
7/10
Tech job market
fair
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.