($1,424) Movers From Kansas City, MO to Phoenix, AZ

What to know before moving from Kansas City to Phoenix

Moving from Kansas City to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Kansas City than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Kansas City compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Phoenix are 30% higher than in Kansas City, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Kansas City.
  Home prices in Phoenix are 76.2% higher than in Kansas City.
• Income is the same in Phoenix and Kansas City. 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 4.2% lower than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 17.8% lower than in Kansas City.
• The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 24.53% higher than in Kansas City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the city’s sales taxes in Phoenix are 2.38% higher than in Kansas City.
• One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.92% lower than in Kansas City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,873.84 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.

How life is different in Kansas City vs. Phoenix

• The population of Phoenix is about 217% greater than Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Kansas City. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Phoenix means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Kansas City. Phoenix is considered more walkable than Kansas City, with a score of 41 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Kansas City. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Kansas City 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 Kansas City is rated as 35 out of 100.
• Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Kansas City based on scores of 53.06 and Kansas City's 58.4, 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 Kansas City, based on Phoenix’s safety index of 46.94 versus 42.6 for Kansas City. 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 isn’t as good as it is in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City vs. Phoenix move

• Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° 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 “unregulated” 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\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll 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-effectiveness—offered 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.

Helpful moving resources