Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Scottsdale to Raleigh move
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Raleigh
Moving from Scottsdale to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh is generally more expensive than Scottsdale, 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:
| Scottsdale | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,670 |
| Average home value | $827,308 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.05% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Raleigh are 49% lower than in Scottsdale, 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 Raleigh.
Home prices in Raleigh are 47.8% lower than in Scottsdale. - Income in Raleigh is 96.0% lower than in Scottsdale, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 5.6% higher than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Raleigh, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 33.0% higher than in Scottsdale.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 8.51% lower than in Scottsdale.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโs sales taxes in Raleigh are 9.94% lower than in Scottsdale.
- State income taxes in Raleigh are 80.00% higher than in Scottsdale.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,168.96 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Raleigh
| Raleigh | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 241,361 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 56 |
| Crime Index | 38.87 | 25.8 |
| Safety Index | 60.13 | 74.2 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Raleigh is about 94% greater than Scottsdale, 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 Raleigh without a car might be more difficult than in Scottsdale. Raleigh has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Scottsdale is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Raleigh to be about as walkable as Scottsdale. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 31 and 32 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Raleigh, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Scottsdale. While Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Raleigh earned a 39. 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 Raleigh is higher than in Scottsdale, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 38.87 in Raleigh, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Raleigh. With a crime index of 60.13, Raleigh ranks lower in overall safety than Scottsdale, whose index is Scottsdale's 74.2. 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 Raleigh isnโt as good as it is in Scottsdale, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Raleigh has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale vs. Raleigh move
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh
Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Oaks", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Raleigh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cameron Village
- Boylan Heights
- North Hills
- South Park
- Brier Creek
Things to do in Raleigh
Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโs the perfect time to explore Raleigh. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Raleigh, such as the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum 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 Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Raleigh?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Scottsdale to Raleigh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Scottsdale are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to Raleigh?
With many people choosing to move from Scottsdale to Raleigh 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 Scottsdale to Raleigh take?
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Raleigh, NC covers 2,161 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Scottsdale movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Raleigh.
