($1,449) Movers From Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Scottsdale

Moving from Washington DC to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Washington DC, 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:

• Rent prices in Scottsdale are 38% higher than in Washington DC, 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 Washington DC.
  Home prices in Scottsdale are 39.2% higher than in Washington DC.
• Income in Scottsdale is 36.6% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less 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 45.2% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 58.8% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 32.86% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the city’s sales taxes in Scottsdale are 34.17% higher than in Washington DC.
• One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.52% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,355.03 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Scottsdale

• Scottsdale might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 66% less than Washington DC.
• Getting around Scottsdale without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Scottsdale has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Scottsdale neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 32 out of 100, Scottsdale isn’t as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 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.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Scottsdale, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, Scottsdale earned a 56. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 25.8 and Washington DC's 60.37, 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 Washington DC, based on Scottsdale’s safety index of 74.2 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. 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 Scottsdale and Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 “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 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-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 Scottsdale

Ready to relocate to "West's Most Western Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.

Helpful moving resources