($1,311) Movers From New York City, NY to Phoenix, AZ

What to know before moving from New York City to Phoenix

Moving from New York 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 New York City than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Phoenix are 61% lower than in New York City, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
  Home prices in Phoenix are 45.4% lower than in New York City.
• Income in Phoenix is 17.3% lower than in New York City, 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 58.3% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 65.3% lower than in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 41.07% lower than in New York City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the city’s sales taxes in Phoenix are 7.50% higher than in New York City.
• One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 77.06% lower than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,250.57 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. Phoenix

• Phoenix might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 81% less than New York City.
• Getting around Phoenix without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Phoenix has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city’s 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 New York City. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isn’t as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 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.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Phoenix, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Phoenix earned a 56. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Phoenix as New York City. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Phoenix is generally as safe as New York City, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Phoenix isn’t as good as it is in New York 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 New York 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 New York 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: 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 regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it\’s 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-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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Phoenix

Now that you’ve chosen "Arizona's Urban Heart" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.

Helpful moving resources