Key factors that impact the cost of your Fort Wayne to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Phoenix
Moving from Fort Wayne to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Fort Wayne than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Fort Wayne compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Fort Wayne | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,163 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $227,803 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $53,978 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,600 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,150 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 3.15% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 46% higher than in Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne.
Home prices in Phoenix are 80.5% higher than in Fort Wayne. - Income in Phoenix is 19.6% higher than in Fort Wayne, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 8.9% lower than in Fort Wayne. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 65.9% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 29.41% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 22.86% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 20.63% lower than in Fort Wayne.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,733.46 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 265,974 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 41 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 41 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 40.9 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 59.1 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 505% greater than Fort Wayne, 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.
- Phoenix offers better access to buses and trains than Fort Wayne, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Fort Wayne. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Phoenix means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Fort Wayne. Phoenix is considered more walkable than Fort Wayne, with a score of 41 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Fort Wayne. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Fort Wayne is rated as 41 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Fort Wayne, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.06 in Phoenix, it is 40.9 in Fort Wayne. 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 Phoenix. With a crime index of 46.94, Phoenix ranks lower in overall safety than Fort Wayne, whose index is Fort Wayne's 59.1. 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 Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Fort Wayne, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Phoenix has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne vs. Phoenix move
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100ยฐ 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 โunregulatedโ 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-effectivenessโoffered 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
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโs Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park โ among other sites โ 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Fort Wayne to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Fort Wayne are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Wayne to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Fort Wayne to Phoenix 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 Fort Wayne to Phoenix take?
Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,824 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Fort Wayne movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.