Factors influencing moving costs from Phoenix to Fresno
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Fresno
Moving from Phoenix to Fresno means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Phoenix than in Fresno, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Phoenix compares to Fresno so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Phoenix | Fresno | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,650 |
Average home value | $411,139 | $381,180 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $63,001 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $2,277 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $5,358 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.09% |
Sales tax | 8.6% | 7.98% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Fresno are 3% lower than in Phoenix, 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 Fresno.
Home prices in Fresno are 7.3% lower than in Phoenix. - Income in Fresno is 2.4% lower than in Phoenix, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fresno include Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff.
- The cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 3.9% lower than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Fresno, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Fresno is 2.5% higher than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in Fresno is 7.42% higher than in Phoenix.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fresno are 7.21% lower than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in Fresno are 432.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,883.50 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Fresno
Fresno | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Population | 542,107 | 1,608,139 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 47 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 58 | 56 |
Crime Index | 56.85 | 53.06 |
Safety Index | 43.15 | 46.94 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Fresno's population is about 66% less than Phoenix.
- Fresno's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Phoenix's higher score of 6.
- Fresno is more walkable than Phoenix with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Phoenix's 41 out of 100.
- Both Fresno and Phoenix have the same bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, meaning Fresno is about as safe for cyclists as Phoenix. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Fresno and Phoenix have a similar crime rate.
- Fresno and Phoenix are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Phoenix it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Fresno move
- Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California 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 Fresno. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Fresno
Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fresno.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tower District
- Mural District
- Mclane
- Central Fresno
Best neighborhoods for families
- Woodrow Park
- Fig Garden
- Mclane
- Sunnyside
Things to do in Fresno
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore Fresno. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fresno, such as the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration 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 Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Fresno?
The best time to move from Phoenix to Fresno is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Phoenix.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Fresno?
Because most people are moving from Phoenix to Fresno in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Phoenix to Fresno take?
The 590-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Fresno, CA, takes one to six days. Some Phoenix movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fresno.