Key factors that influence moving costs from Baltimore to Tempetoggle

The cost of Baltimore movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Baltimore to Tempe might cost just $1,460 for a one-bedroom, but up to $11,654 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,571 and $4,122, though you\’ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Tempe

Moving from Baltimore to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Baltimore, it’s 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:

Baltimore Tempe
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,834
Average home value $180,790 $471,494
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $64,080
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $5,433
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $6,810
Unemployment rate 7.9% 5.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.1%
State income tax 5.75% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tempe are 15% higher than in Baltimore, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
    Home prices in Tempe are 160.8% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Tempe is 9.8% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tempe include Amkor Technology, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, and America West Holdings.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 144.4% higher than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you’re moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 33.8% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Tempe is 31.65% lower than in Baltimore.
  • You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the city’s sales taxes in Tempe are 35.00% higher than in Baltimore.
  • One perk of moving to Tempe is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.52% lower than in Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,331.98 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Tempe

Tempe Baltimore
Population 180,587 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 54 64
Bike friendliness score 75 53
Crime Index 42.36 72.72
Safety Index 57.64 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tempe might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 69% less than Baltimore.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tempe will be about the same as it currently is in Baltimore. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Tempe neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Baltimore. Based on its score of 54 out of 100, Tempe isn’t as walkable as Baltimore, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Baltimore in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, while Baltimore is rated as 53 out of 100.
  • Tempe has a lower crime rate than Baltimore based on scores of 42.36 and Baltimore's 72.72, 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 Tempe than in Baltimore, based on Tempe’s safety index of 57.64 versus 27.28 for Baltimore. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tempe and Baltimore 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 Baltimore vs. Tempe move

  • Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
  • 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 “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.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\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tempe. 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-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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Tempe

Ready to relocate to "Tempe"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cyprus Southwest
  • Daley Park
  • Kyrene-Superstition
  • Mitchell Park West
  • University Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Alta Mira
  • Dava-Lakeshore
  • Meyer Park
  • Sandahl
  • Tempe Gardens

Things to do in Tempe

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

  • Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery, and Petersen House Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago 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 State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Tempe?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Baltimore to Tempe. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Baltimore.

When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Tempe?

Because spring and fall moves from Baltimore to Tempe are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Baltimore to Tempe take?

Covering 2,269 miles, the move from Baltimore, MD to Tempe, AZ typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTempe can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources