Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your El Paso to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from El Paso to Phoenix
Moving from El Paso to Phoenix comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Phoenix is generally more expensive than El Paso, 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:
| El Paso | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,510 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $223,218 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,354 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,833 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,360 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 12% higher than in El Paso, 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 El Paso.
Home prices in Phoenix are 84.2% higher than in El Paso. - Income in Phoenix is 10.6% higher than in El Paso, so you could earn more 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 29.2% higher than in El Paso. 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 19.9% higher than in El Paso.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 40.43% higher than in El Paso.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 18.62% higher than in El Paso.
- State income taxes in Phoenix are 2.50% higher than in El Paso.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,877.25 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.
How life is different in El Paso vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 678,815 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 32.51 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 67.49 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- The population of Phoenix is about 137% greater than El Paso, 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 El Paso, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in El Paso. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso is rated as 42 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in El Paso, 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 32.51 in El Paso. 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 El Paso, whose index is El Paso's 67.49. 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 and El Paso is generally the same (Moderate). 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 El Paso 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโt 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 Phoenix 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-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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Phoenix
With your sights set on "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
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
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 El Paso to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from El Paso to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in El Paso are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from El Paso to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from El Paso 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 El Paso to Phoenix take?
Moving from El Paso, TX to Phoenix, AZ covers 430 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some El Paso movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
