($1,460) Movers From Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ

What to know before moving from Austin to Tempe

Moving from Austin to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Austin, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Tempe are 4% higher than in Austin, 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 Tempe.
  Home prices in Tempe are 7.3% lower than in Austin.
• Income in Tempe is 6.1% lower than in Austin, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tempe include Amkor Technology, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, and America West Holdings.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 62.4% higher than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 12.9% lower than in Austin.
• The unemployment rate in Tempe is 54.29% higher than in Austin.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the city’s sales taxes in Tempe are 1.82% lower than in Austin.
• State income taxes in Tempe are 2.50% higher than in Austin.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,872.65 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.

How life is different in Austin vs. Tempe

• Tempe might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 81% less than Austin.
• Tempe offers better access to buses and trains than Austin, based on public transportation ratings. Tempe has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Austin. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Tempe means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Austin. Tempe is considered more walkable than Austin, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 42 out of 100 in Austin. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Austin in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, while Austin is rated as 54 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tempe as Austin. 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.
• Tempe is generally as safe as Austin, 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 Tempe and Austin is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Austin vs. Tempe move

• Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Arizona doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tempe without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tempe

With your sights set on "Tempe", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.

Helpful moving resources