Key factors that impact the cost of your Oklahoma City to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Phoenix
Moving from Oklahoma City to Phoenix comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Phoenix is generally more expensive than Oklahoma City, 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:
Oklahoma City | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,249 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $195,949 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,251 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,150 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,520 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 4.75% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 36% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City.
Home prices in Phoenix are 109.8% higher than in Oklahoma City. - Income is the same in Phoenix and Oklahoma City. 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 10.2% higher than in Oklahoma City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 19.8% lower than in Oklahoma City.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 50.00% higher than in Oklahoma City.
- Sales taxes are the same in Phoenix and Oklahoma City.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Oklahoma City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,305.58 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.
How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Oklahoma City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 681,054 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 41 | 73 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 74 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 49.37 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 50.63 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 136% greater than Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma City, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Oklahoma City. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Phoenix neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Oklahoma City. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isnโt as walkable as Oklahoma City, which has a score of 73 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 wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Phoenix, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Oklahoma City. While Oklahoma City has a bike-friendliness score of 74 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 Oklahoma 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 80โ100.
- Phoenix is generally as safe as Oklahoma 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 isnโt as good as it is in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 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
- Coronado
- 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 Oklahoma City to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Oklahoma City to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Oklahoma City are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oklahoma City to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Phoenix take?
Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Phoenix, AZ covers 959 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Oklahoma City movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.