Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Reno to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Reno to Phoenix
Moving from Reno to Phoenix comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Phoenix is generally more expensive than Reno, 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:
| Reno | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,700 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $523,662 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,486 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,122 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,887 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.27% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices are the same in Phoenix and Reno.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
Home prices in Phoenix are 21.5% lower than in Reno. - Income in Phoenix is 2.9% lower than in Reno, 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.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Phoenix, since the cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 11.6% higher than in Reno. 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 6.9% higher than in Reno.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 43.48% higher than in Reno.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 3.99% higher than in Reno.
- State income taxes in Phoenix are 2.50% higher than in Reno.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,349.20 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Reno.
How life is different in Reno vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Reno | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 264,165 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 46.26 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 53.74 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 509% greater than Reno, 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 Reno, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Reno. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Reno. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 40 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 Reno 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 Reno is rated as 52 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Reno, 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 46.26 in Reno. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Phoenix. With a crime index of 46.94, Phoenix ranks lower in overall safety than Reno, whose index is Reno's 53.74. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Reno, 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 Reno 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 Reno 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Arizona, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toPhoenix Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Phoenix
Now that youโve chosen "Arizona's Urban Heart" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- 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 Reno to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Reno to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Reno are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Reno to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Reno 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 Reno to Phoenix take?
Moving from Reno, NV to Phoenix, AZ covers 743 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Reno movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
