If a sun-soaked desert life with a vibrant urban scene, a booming job market, beautiful scenery, a vast choice of recreational opportunities, and a cost of living that compares well with other Sunbelt cities is high on your list of must-haves, then Phoenix definitely delivers.
Read on to discover all you need to know about moving to Phoenix.
Cost of Living
Bridle Way, Gilbert, Phoenix
Phoenix’s cost of living is approximately 6% above the U.S. average, but still 10% lower than Arizona’s statewide rate, making it more affordable compared to similar metropolitan areas.
Here’s a breakdown:
Category
Compared to National Avg.
Housing (rent/buy)
+16%
Utilities
+7%
Food & Groceries
+3–8%
Healthcare
–8%
Transportation
+5%
Goods & Services
+2%
Rent: A 1‑bed costs approximately $1,400–$1,600, whilst 2‑beds are about $1,800–$2,200 in central Phoenix, but will be slightly cheaper in the suburbs.
Buying: Median home prices hover around $535k–$609k
Utilities: Expect $150–$250 per month in summer to handle the AC.
Compare the cost of living in your current hometown with Phoenix at www.numbeo.com
You may also like to read: Moving to Another State. In this guide, you will find checklists and tips to make your interstate move easier.
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Phoenix has become a magnet for growth industries:
Tech & Innovation: Now a hub for startups and tech relocation.
Healthcare & Education: Banner Health and Arizona State University offer many career opportunities.
Finance & Real Estate: The expanding service sector and the real estate boom are fuelling roles in sales, finance, and construction.
Tourism & Hospitality: With over 16 million tourists visiting here annually, 500 hotels, and 40 resorts, there are plenty of work opportunities in hospitality.
Unemployment remains low, although wage growth lags behind home prices, meaning competition is stiff even as demand surges.
Remote workers and digital nomads find Phoenix appealing for housing density and tax structures, with no state tax on Social Security, and a flat 2.5% on other retirement income, making it retirement-friendly too.
You may also like to read: Moving After Retirement. Phoenix is a popular place to retire to. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving after retirement.
Top-Ranked Districts & Schools
Old Phoenix Union High School
Basis Phoenix (grades 5–12): Math proficiency runs about 90%, Reading about 87%, and is ranked top 1% statewide
Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (grades 9–12): Math 85–89%, Reading 80–84%, also top 1%
Fireside Elementary: Math 84%, Reading 85%; among Phoenix’s top-performing elementary schools
Charter highlights:
Great Hearts Academy: A classical, liberal-arts charter network serving about 30,000 students.
Archway Classical Academy Lincoln is ranked #1 in Arizona
Other Notable Public Schools
Maryvale High School (PUHSD): 2,685 students, graduation rate 91%, extensive AP/Honors classes, and dual enrollment options
Desert Vista & Mountain Pointe High (Kyrene/TUHSD, Ahwatukee): High academic reputation and athletic programs
School Summary:
Elite options: Basis Phoenix, BIOScience, Great Hearts charter network.
High-performing local schools: Kyrene district’s middle and high schools in Ahwatukee.
Strong elementary level: Fireside and others.
Access to dual enrollment and AP tracks at schools like Maryvale.
You may also like to read: Choosing a New School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school after moving home.
Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix
Here we compare the top Phoenix neighborhoods by resident profile, housing costs, safety, and amenities.
1. Ahwatukee Foothills
Best for: Families, outdoor lovers.
Median home price: $495k–$515k; rent averages $1,568 per month
Safety: Safer than 73% of the city
Local schools: Kyrene district + Desert Vista/Mountain Pointe; highly rated.
Lifestyle: Numerous parks, trails, golf, good local shops, and restaurants.
2. Camelback East
Best For: Young professionals and nightlife fans.
Median Home price: $326K; rent averages $1,162
Safety: Safer than 40% of the city
Living style: Trendy restaurants, bars, Biltmore Fashion Park, Papago Park
Public transportation is not as good as in many other cities, and Phoenix is a sprawling city, so if you don’t drive, choose your neighborhood carefully
Consider the heat in relation to everyday living (not just doing things, but also the cost of running your AC constantly, for example) and health concerns, especially if you have respiratory issues.
Dust storms are common between June to September
Consider the impact of climate change when choosing a desert state
Choose your neighborhood wisely, as crime rates vary wildly
The weather is fairly consistent, so if you like seasons, you will be disappointed
With deserts come rattlesnakes and scorpions
You may also like to read: Where to Move to Avoid Climate Change. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when thinking about where to live and what effect climate change will have on that place.
Should I Move to Phoenix?
About 50,000 Americans a year choose to move to Phoenix. With a high quality of life, endless outdoor and recreational choices, the city’s stunning natural beauty, and the sun-filled climate, it is easy to see why.
As with anywhere you are thinking of moving, do as much research as you can, visit often, and, if possible, rent a home so that you get to know the different neighborhoods before deciding which one is right for you.
Good luck with your move to Phoenix! Be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.
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