Arizona vs Massachusetts
Property Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Massachusetts
Summary
Both Arizona and Massachusetts levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate is roughly half that of Massachusetts. The difference influences the amount homeowners pay each year, especially at common home price points of $250,000 and $500,000.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $5,813 |
| Property tax on a $250k home | $1,294 | $2,764 |
| Property tax on a $500k home | $2,589 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $101,341 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective rate): Arizona
- Rate difference: 0.59 % points (Arizona is 53.17 % lower than Massachusetts)
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,470 less in Arizona
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $2,939 less in Arizona
The lower effective rate in Arizona translates directly into smaller annual tax bills for comparable property values. For example, a homeowner with a $250,000 house would pay $1,294 in Arizona versus $2,764 in Massachusetts, a difference of $1,470 per year.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Arizona’s Lower Tax Rate | Relevance of Massachusetts’ Higher Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Reduces ongoing annual expenses; may affect affordability of higher‑priced homes. | Higher taxes may be offset by higher median incomes and potentially higher public‑service levels. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Lower property‑tax burden can make the total cost of ownership more predictable. | Buyers should account for larger tax payments when budgeting, especially for mid‑range homes. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees may find the lower tax bill aligns better with limited budgets. | Retirees may need to allocate a larger portion of retirement income to property taxes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower taxes improve cash‑flow projections for rental properties. | Higher taxes must be incorporated into investment return calculations. |
The comparison is factual and does not imply that one state is universally better; it simply highlights the quantitative differences in property‑tax obligations.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Arizona’s property‑tax structure: Arizona property tax
- Detailed information on Massachusetts’s property‑tax structure: Massachusetts property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, these figures reflect statewide medians and effective rates. Local variations (e.g., municipal millage rates, exemptions, and assessments) can cause actual tax bills to differ from the state‑wide averages presented here.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.