Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Wichita to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Wichita to Scottsdale
Moving from Wichita to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Wichita, 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:
| Wichita | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $930 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $190,905 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 5.7% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 255% higher than in Wichita, 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 Wichita.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 333.4% higher than in Wichita. - Income in Scottsdale is 6.3% higher than in Wichita, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Scottsdale, since the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 173.0% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 21.5% lower than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 20.34% lower than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 7.33% higher than in Wichita.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.14% lower than in Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,191.27 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 397,532 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 44 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 49.19 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 50.81 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Scottsdale might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 39% less than Wichita.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Wichita, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Wichita. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Wichita. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 35 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Scottsdale is considered more bike-friendly than Wichita in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Wichita is rated as 44 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Wichita based on scores of 25.8 and Wichita's 49.19, 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 Scottsdale than in Wichita, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 50.81 for Wichita. 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 Scottsdale has better air quality than in Wichita. Scottsdale has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Wichita. 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 Wichita vs. Scottsdale move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Scottsdale. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Ready to relocate to "West's Most Western Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, itโs time to see what Scottsdale is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Scottsdale include museums and art centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Wichita to Scottsdale are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Wichita are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Wichita to Scottsdale 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 Wichita to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Wichita, KS to Scottsdale, AZ covers 998 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Wichita movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
