Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Stockton to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Stockton to Phoenix
Moving from Stockton to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Stockton than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Stockton compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Stockton | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,775 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $437,561 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,915 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,767 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 5% lower than in Stockton, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
Home prices in Phoenix are 6.0% lower than in Stockton. - Income is the same in Phoenix and Stockton. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 37.1% lower than in Stockton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 23.3% lower than in Stockton.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 35.92% lower than in Stockton.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 4.44% lower than in Stockton.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 81.20% lower than in Stockton.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,886.65 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Stockton.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 320,804 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 44 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 75.2 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 24.8 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 401% greater than Stockton, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Phoenix offers better access to buses and trains than Stockton, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Stockton. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Stockton. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 44 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Stockton in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Stockton is rated as 52 out of 100.
- Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Stockton based on scores of 53.06 and Stockton's 75.2, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Phoenix than in Stockton, based on Phoenixโs safety index of 46.94 versus 24.8 for Stockton. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Stockton, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Phoenix has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Stockton is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Stockton vs. Phoenix move
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100ยฐ F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Phoenix. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Phoenix
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, itโs the perfect time to explore Phoenix. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Phoenix, such as the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโs Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Stockton to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Stockton are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Stockton to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Stockton to Phoenix in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Stockton to Phoenix take?
Moving from Stockton, CA to Phoenix, AZ covers 706 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Stockton movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
