Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Mobile to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Mobile to Scottsdale
Moving from Mobile to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Mobile, 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:
| Mobile | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $186,159 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,825 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,104 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 154% higher than in Mobile, 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 Mobile.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 344.4% higher than in Mobile. - Income in Scottsdale is 4.1% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Scottsdale, since the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 215.2% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Scottsdale, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 11.4% higher than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 24.19% lower than in Mobile.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 19.50% lower than in Mobile.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Mobile.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,456.99 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 187,041 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 34 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 64.95 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 35.05 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Scottsdale is about 29% greater than Mobile, 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.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Mobile, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Mobile. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Mobile. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 32 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Scottsdale is considered more bike-friendly than Mobile in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Mobile is rated as 34 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Mobile based on scores of 25.8 and Mobile's 64.95, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Scottsdale than in Mobile, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 35.05 for Mobile. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Scottsdale and Mobile 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 Mobile vs. Scottsdale move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Scottsdale. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Now that you've decided to make the move to "West's Most Western Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
Once youโre settled into your new home in Arizona, itโs time to get out and discover what Scottsdale has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Mobile to Scottsdale are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Mobile are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Mobile to Scottsdale 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 Mobile to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Mobile, AL to Scottsdale, AZ covers 1,646 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Mobile movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
