Key factors that impact the cost of your Atlanta to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Atlanta to Phoenix
Moving from Atlanta 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 Atlanta than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Atlanta compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Atlanta | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $388,167 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.9% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 11% lower than in Atlanta, 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 Atlanta.
Home prices in Phoenix are 5.9% higher than in Atlanta. - Income in Phoenix is 2.4% lower than in Atlanta, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 24.4% lower than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 33.2% lower than in Atlanta.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 10.00% higher than in Atlanta.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 3.37% lower than in Atlanta.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.46% lower than in Atlanta.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,267.71 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Atlanta | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 498,715 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 41 | 48 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 42 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 64.23 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 35.77 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- The population of Phoenix is about 222% greater than Atlanta, 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.
- Getting around Phoenix without a car might be more difficult than in Atlanta. Phoenix has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Atlanta is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Phoenix neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Atlanta. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isnโt as walkable as Atlanta, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Atlanta 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 Atlanta is rated as 42 out of 100.
- Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Atlanta based on scores of 53.06 and Atlanta's 64.23, 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 Atlanta, based on Phoenixโs safety index of 46.94 versus 35.77 for Atlanta. 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 and Atlanta is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Atlanta to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Atlanta to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Atlanta are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Atlanta 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 Atlanta to Phoenix take?
Moving from Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,806 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Atlanta movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.