For most renters, the biggest factor guiding their decision on where to live is how much the rental costs. The average cost of an apartment rental in the United States? It’s $1,743, according to RentCafe.com.

If you’ve ever wondered what $1,500 will get you in metro Phoenix, we rounded up a few apartments in different parts of town to give you a feel for it. We were pleasantly surprised by what we found. Most of these listings are brand new or at least renovated recently. If you have $1,500 to spend on rent every month, you can enjoy a nice apartment. 

Please keep in mind that these rates exclude taxes and other fees (like pet rent), but they’re likely to be around $1,500 when you factor those into the mix.

North Phoenix  

Tucked right by the 101 Highway, Monte Viejo offers new build apartments at a relatively affordable rate. The rent for a two bedroom apartment starts at $1,307. In-apartment amenities include a built-in microwave, a digital thermostat, a patio or balcony, and high ceilings. Community amenities include a fitness center, a business center, a package concierge, a pet park, two swimming pools, and a hot tub.  As an added bonus, this is such a brand-new community that many of the units are not even available to rent yet. Being so close to the highway, noise might be an issue. But you’re also close to one of the Valley’s busiest highways—the 51 and the 101—making it easy to get to other places. You’re also right by a Costco and a short drive away from a Walmart Supercenter for groceries. There aren’t a ton of restaurants and shops nearby, but they’re also a very short drive away to Scottsdale and other top shopping areas like Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons.

South Phoenix

Located in the shadow of South Mountain, South Phoenix is a budding area of town that beckons with affordable rental rates. The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments at Haven at South Mountain start at $1,499 and measure 868 square feet. They’re also recently renovated. Renters can look forward to stainless steel appliances, vinyl wood floors, spacious closets, and farmhouse sinks in their apartments. Community amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a barbecue and picnic area, a pet park, an on-site laundry facility, and a playground. You’re also close to one of the most popular South Mountain trailheads, the Mormon Trailhead. That also leads to one of my all-time favorite hikes in the entire Valley. This property is conveniently located right down the street from a Fry’s grocery store, a CVS, and a PetSmart. One of the downsides of living in South Phoenix? There aren’t as many shops and restaurants nearby, but this community is by the 60, a major highway. 

Chandler

For about $1,500 in Chandler, you can live at the luxurious Olympus Chandler at the Park. For some reason, the studio apartment at 488 square feet is priced at $1,549, whereas the one bedroom at 714 square feet starts at $1,463. The 754-square-foot one bedroom apartment costs $1,477. 

Built in 2023, these contemporary apartments feature a long list of amenities. Residents enjoy quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, an open kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and custom painted cabinets at the modern apartment community. It also offers a resort-style pool, a speakeasy, a coworking space, a fitness center, and a courtyard. The complex is within walking distance to a Safeway and a few parks including the Maggio Ranch Park and Arrowhead Meadows Park.

It’s also just a five-minute drive from Downtown Chandler, which is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and the Mic Drop Comedy club. Two of my favorite Valley coffee shops are in downtown Chandler. Peixoto is a sleek, environment with plush black furniture that’s owned by a family that has its very own coffee farm in Brazil. Maple House is located in a former home constructed in the 1940s. It’s also dreamy to sip coffee when the weather’s good and the doors are open. Enjoy espresso-based drinks indoor or outdoors here. Located just a few steps from downtown, The Chandler Center of the Arts also hosts live performances. I’ve seen blues singer Beth Hart belt her heart out on the stage here. Elmer’s Tacos is also across the street and is very well known for its oversized (and tasty) bean and cheese burritos. 

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is practically synonymous with luxury. Roughly 14,800 millionaires call Scottsdale home, and it has been named the fastest growing city for millionaires. Given those stats, we were surprised to find an apartment listing in one of the Valley’s wealthiest enclaves for $1,500. The two bedroom and one bathroom  at Denim Scottsdale measures 816 square feet starts at $1,410. 

Denim Scottsdale is located in South Scottsdale just outside of lively Old Town Scottsdale. Built in 1979, Denim features a total of 644 units in one and two-story buildings. The community is set on a total of 31 acres. Apartments are contemporary—ome even feature stainless steel appliances and upgraded kitchens with new counters and cabinets. The apartment building is within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium, where the San Francisco Giants play their spring training games. 

Old Town is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants that make it a nightlife destination. Scottsdale Fashion Square is also just a few minutes away and is one of the Valley’s premier shopping centers. Visitors can enjoy window shopping at luxe brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. The mall also features more approachable shops like lululemon, Bath and Body Works, and Anthropologie. I personally love strolling through this mall and window shopping. During the holidays, Scottsdale Fashion Square gets all decked out with a ton of festive decorations. Just be wary of the traffic, which can be heavy. 

This property includes a long list of amenities. Residents can enjoy four swimming pools, a cold plunge pool, two pet parks, a pet spa, a TV lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, a basketball court, two pickleball courts, a playground, and even valet trash.

Glendale

West Valley’s Glendale is home to two of the Valley’s most prominent stadiums, including State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena—making it a premier entertainment district. Fewer people reside in the West Valley and it’s farther from many of the Valley’s other attractions, but the rents in Glendale tend to cost less. 

The base rent at the one bedroom and one bathroom apartments at Cardinal 95 start at $1,375 per month. Apartment amenities include private balconies with storage, spacious closets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and plank flooring. Community-wide amenities include an enclosed dog park, EV charging stations, an outdoor pool with a kitchen, a Jacuzzi, a long walking path, and areas to work remotely.

Cardinal 95 is within walking distance of State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena. State Farm is home to the NFL team and the Arizona Cardinals. It also occasionally hosts concerts. I’ve seen Taylor Swift and Post Malone at State Farm Stadium. A few weeks ago, I saw mgk at the Desert Diamond Arena. Westgate is a thriving shopping and dining district that’s also home to a massive AMC. For more active recreation, Topgolf Glendale is a fun place to tee off and take a few swings into a massive net.