Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Baton Rouge to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Phoenix
Moving from Baton Rouge to Phoenix comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Phoenix is generally more expensive than Baton Rouge, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Baton Rouge | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $213,584 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,369 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,638 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,941 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 36% higher than in Baton Rouge, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baton Rouge.
Home prices in Phoenix are 92.5% higher than in Baton Rouge. - Income in Phoenix is 6.9% higher than in Baton Rouge, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Phoenix, since the cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 44.6% higher than in Baton Rouge. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 32.6% higher than in Baton Rouge.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 12.00% lower than in Baton Rouge.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 9.47% lower than in Baton Rouge.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Baton Rouge.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,338.83 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baton Rouge.
How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Baton Rouge | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 222,191 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 44 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 2.0 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 30.74 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 624% greater than Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Baton Rouge. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Baton Rouge. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 39 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge is rated as 44 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Baton Rouge, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.06 in Phoenix, it is 2.0 in Baton Rouge. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Phoenix than in Baton Rouge, based on Phoenixโs safety index of 46.94 versus 30.74 for Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Phoenix. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Phoenix
Ready to relocate to "Arizona's Urban Heart"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
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 Baton Rouge to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Baton Rouge to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Baton Rouge are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baton Rouge to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Phoenix take?
Moving from Baton Rouge, LA to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,443 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Baton Rouge movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
