Arizonans must work 70+ hours a week to afford the average apartment

Arizonans Face Daunting Work Hours to Afford Average Apartment, Report Finds

PHOENIX, AZ — A new report has revealed a stark reality for Arizona residents: the average worker must clock over 70 hours a week to afford a typical apartment, underscoring the state’s escalating housing affordability crisis. Released this week, the study highlights how soaring rental costs are outpacing wage growth, placing immense pressure on households across the Grand Canyon State.

According to the report, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Arizona now hovers around $1,500, while the average hourly wage stands at approximately $19. To cover rent without exceeding the recommended 30% of income, a worker would need to earn $28 per hour—equivalent to a full-time job paying $58,240 annually. For those earning the state’s average wage, this translates to grueling workweeks of 70 hours or more, often requiring multiple jobs.

“It’s unsustainable,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Phoenix-based server and single mother. “I’m working two jobs, over 60 hours a week, and still barely making rent. Something’s got to give.”

The report points to a combination of factors driving the crisis, including a surge in demand from out-of-state transplants, limited housing supply, and stagnant wage growth for low- and middle-income earners. Metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson have seen particularly sharp rent increases, with some neighborhoods reporting year-over-year spikes of 10-15%.

Economists warn that the situation could worsen without intervention. “We’re seeing a growing divide between housing costs and what people can realistically earn,” said Dr. James Carter, an economist at Arizona State University. “Without policies to boost affordable housing or raise wages, more Arizonans will be priced out.”

State officials have acknowledged the issue, with Governor Katie Hobbs proposing measures to incentivize affordable housing development. However, critics argue that progress has been slow, and immediate relief for renters remains elusive.

For now, many Arizonans like Gonzalez are left with tough choices: work longer hours, take on roommates, or move to less expensive areas farther from jobs and services. As the report makes clear, the dream of affordable living in Arizona is slipping further out of reach.

This article is based on a reported study and reflects the challenges faced by Arizona residents as of May 15, 2025.

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