Factors influencing moving costs from Phoenix to Charlotte
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Charlotte
Moving from Phoenix to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte is generally more expensive than Phoenix, 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:
Phoenix | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,790 |
Average home value | $411,139 | $391,658 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $64,814 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $3,158 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $8,325 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 8.6% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 6% higher than in Phoenix, 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 Charlotte.
Home prices in Charlotte are 4.7% lower than in Phoenix. - Income is the same in Charlotte and Phoenix. The top employers in Charlotte include Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 33.3% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 59.3% higher than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 50.00% lower than in Phoenix.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charlotte are 15.70% lower than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in Charlotte are 80.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,999.16 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Charlotte
Charlotte | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Population | 874,579 | 1,608,139 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 26 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 56 |
Crime Index | 46.52 | 53.06 |
Safety Index | 53.48 | 46.94 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Charlotte's population is about 46% less than Phoenix.
- Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Phoenix's higher score of 6.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Phoenix with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Phoenix's 41 out of 100.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Phoenix, which has a score of 56 out of 100.
- Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Phoenix with a score of 46.52 compared to Phoenix's 53.06. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
- Charlotte is considered to be safer than Phoenix with a safety index of 53.48 vs Phoenix's 46.94.
- Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Phoenix it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Charlotte move
- Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: North Carolina 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 Charlotte. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Charlotte
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ballantyne East
- Ballantyne West
- Providence Plantation
- Hembstead
- Sharon Woods
Things to do in Charlotte
Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโs the perfect time to explore Charlotte. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charlotte, such as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Charlotte?
The best time to move from Phoenix to Charlotte 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 Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Phoenix to Charlotte 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 Charlotte take?
The 2,050-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Charlotte, NC, takes six to 17 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 Charlotte.