Key factors that impact the cost of your Scottsdale to Philadelphia movetoggle

The cost of Scottsdale movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Scottsdale to Philadelphia (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,482, while larger moves may reach $13,639 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 Scottsdale.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,633 to $4,081, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Philadelphia

Moving from Scottsdale to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Scottsdale than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Scottsdale compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Scottsdale Philadelphia
Average rent cost $3,300 $1,695
Average home value $827,308 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $64,533 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $5,753 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,570 $6,190
Unemployment rate 4.7% 10.6%
Sales tax 8.05% 8.0%
State income tax 2.5% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 49% lower than in Scottsdale, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Philadelphia are 73.8% lower than in Scottsdale.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 9.6% higher than in Scottsdale, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 55.8% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 35.4% higher than in Scottsdale.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 125.53% higher than in Scottsdale.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Philadelphia and Scottsdale.
  • State income taxes in Philadelphia are 22.80% higher than in Scottsdale.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,325.05 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.

How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Scottsdale
Population 1,603,797 241,361
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 75 32
Bike friendliness score 67 56
Crime Index 66.09 25.8
Safety Index 33.91 74.2
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 564% 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.
  • Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Scottsdale, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Scottsdale. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Philadelphia means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Scottsdale. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Scottsdale, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Scottsdale. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia is considered more bike-friendly than Scottsdale in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Scottsdale is rated as 56 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia 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 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia and Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale vs. Philadelphia move

  • Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
  • 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 decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Philly", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase
  • Roxborough

Things to do in Philadelphia

Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia, such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Philadelphia?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Scottsdale to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

With many people choosing to move from Scottsdale to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia take?

Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Philadelphia, PA covers 2,328 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Scottsdale movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources