Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Plano to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Plano to Phoenix
Moving from Plano to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Plano than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Plano compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Plano | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,100 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $511,000 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,874 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,506 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,078 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 19% lower than in Plano, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
Home prices in Phoenix are 19.5% lower than in Plano. - Income in Phoenix is 4.9% lower than in Plano, 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 5.5% lower than in Plano. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 14.0% lower than in Plano.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 20.00% higher than in Plano.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 4.24% higher than in Plano.
- State income taxes in Phoenix are 2.50% higher than in Plano.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,835.99 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Plano.
How life is different in Plano vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 285,494 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 23.02 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 76.98 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 463% greater than Plano, 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 Plano, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 2 in Plano. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Plano. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 41 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 Plano 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 Plano is rated as 52 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Plano, 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 23.02 in Plano. 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 Plano, whose index is Plano's 76.98. 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 Plano, 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 Plano 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 Plano 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
- 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 Plano to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Plano to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Plano are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Plano to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Plano 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 Plano to Phoenix take?
Moving from Plano, TX to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,082 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Plano movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
