Key factors that impact the cost of your Phoenix to Reno movetoggle

The cost of Phoenix movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Phoenix to Reno (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,407, while larger moves may reach $8,231 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Phoenix.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $664 to $1,489, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Phoenix to Reno

Moving from Phoenix to Reno 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 Reno, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Phoenix compares to Reno so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Phoenix Reno
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,700
Average home value $411,139 $523,662
Average income (per capita) $64,552 $66,486
Cost of living (single person) $2,369 $2,122
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,226 $4,887
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.6%
Sales tax 8.6% 8.27%
State income tax 2.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices are the same in Reno and Phoenix.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
    Home prices in Reno are 27.4% higher than in Phoenix.
  • Income in Reno is 3.0% higher than in Phoenix, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Reno include Amerco, Trane, and Hamilton.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Reno is 10.4% lower than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Reno is 6.5% lower than in Phoenix.
  • The unemployment rate in Reno is 30.30% lower than in Phoenix.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Reno, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Reno are 3.84% lower than in Phoenix.
  • One perk of moving to Reno is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Phoenix.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,687.21 in Reno to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.

How life is different in Phoenix vs. Reno

Reno Phoenix
Population 264,165 1,608,139
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 40 41
Bike friendliness score 52 56
Crime Index 46.26 53.06
Safety Index 53.74 46.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Reno might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 84% less than Phoenix.
  • Getting around Reno without a car might be more difficult than in Phoenix. Reno has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Phoenix is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Youโ€™ll find Reno to be about as walkable as Phoenix. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 40 and 41 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Reno, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Phoenix. While Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Reno earned a 52. 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.
  • Reno has a lower crime rate than Phoenix based on scores of 46.26 and Phoenix's 53.06, 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 Reno than in Phoenix, based on Renoโ€™s safety index of 53.74 versus 46.94 for Phoenix. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Reno has better air quality than in Phoenix. Reno has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Phoenix. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Reno move

  • Weather: Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: Movers that provide relocation services within the Silver State are subject to rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The NTAโ€™s aims include fostering economic growth and promoting efficient, safe, and reliable moving services around the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Nevada moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Nevada 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 Reno. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free choice provided by movers, albeit with minimal coverage. Movers take responsibility for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover misplaced or damaged a valuable item like a 30-pound sculpture, you would only receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, explore alternative options with your selected moving company or consider consulting 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 Reno

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Biggest Little City in the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Reno.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Reno
  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • South Central
  • North Valleys

Best neighborhoods for families

  • South Reno
  • Northwest
  • North Valleys
  • North East
  • Old Northwest-west University

Things to do in Reno

Now that you've made the move to Nevada, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Reno. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Reno, such as the National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art, The Discovery - Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Wilbur D. May Center, and Fleischmann Planetarium.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Animal Ark, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, and Virginia Lake 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 Reno Aces (PCL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Reno?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Phoenix to Reno are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Phoenix are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Reno?

With many people choosing to move from Phoenix to Reno 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 Phoenix to Reno take?

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Reno, NV covers 743 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Phoenix movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Reno.

Helpful moving resources