($1,492) Movers From Arlington, VA to Phoenix, AZ

What to know before moving from Arlington to Phoenix

Moving from Arlington to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Arlington than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Arlington compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Phoenix are 38% lower than in Arlington, 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 49.3% lower than in Arlington.
• Income in Phoenix is 49.6% lower than in Arlington, 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 65.5% lower than in Arlington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 56.3% lower than in Arlington.
• The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 65.00% higher than in Arlington.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the city’s sales taxes in Phoenix are 43.33% higher than in Arlington.
• One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.52% lower than in Arlington.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,034.95 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Arlington.

How life is different in Arlington vs. Phoenix

• The population of Phoenix is about 574% greater than Arlington, 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.
• Getting around Phoenix without a car might be more difficult than in Arlington. Phoenix has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Arlington is ranked 9. 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 Arlington. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isn’t as walkable as Arlington, which has a score of 71 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 Arlington. While Arlington has a bike-friendliness score of 72 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.
• The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Arlington, 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 15.67 in Arlington. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Phoenix. With a crime index of 46.94, Phoenix ranks lower in overall safety than Arlington, whose index is Arlington's 79.15. 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 isn’t as good as it is in Arlington, 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 Arlington 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 Arlington 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: 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 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-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 Phoenix

With your sights set on "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources