Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Phoenix

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Phoenix can be as low as $1,395 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,753.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $667 to $1,543. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Phoenix

San Francisco Phoenix
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,695
Average home value $1,241,003 $411,139
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $64,552
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,369
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $5,226
Unemployment rate 5.4% 6.6%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.6%
State income tax 13.3% 2.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Phoenix are 48% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Phoenix are 66.9% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Phoenix is 52.8% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 37.3% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 40.0% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 22.22% higher than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Phoenix and San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Phoenix are 81.20% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,879.66 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Phoenix

Phoenix San Francisco
Population 1,608,139 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 10
Walkability score 41 99
Bike friendliness score 56 99
Crime Index 53.06 61.41
Safety Index 46.94 38.59
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Phoenix's population is about 99% greater than San Francisco.
  • Phoenix's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Phoenix is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 41 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score 56 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Phoenix's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 53.06 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Phoenix is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 46.94 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Phoenix is moderate, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Phoenix move

  • Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
  • 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Arizona 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 Phoenix. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Phoenix

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Phoenix.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Camelback East
  • Encanto
  • Estrella Village
  • North Gateway
  • South Mountain

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Arcadia/Biltmore
  • Ahwatukee
  • Coronado
  • Gilbert
  • Paradise Valley
  • Scottsdale

Things to do in Phoenix

After settling into your new Arizona home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns(NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Phoenix?

The best time to move from San Francisco to Phoenix is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Phoenix?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Phoenix 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 San Francisco to Phoenix take?

The 754-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, takes two to seven days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources

San Francisco moving services

Popular California routes

Popular moving resources