Key factors that influence moving costs from Chapel Hill to Tempe
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Tempe
Moving from Chapel Hill to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, 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:
Chapel Hill | Tempe | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,834 |
Average home value | $592,460 | $471,494 |
Average income (per capita) | $65,621 | $64,080 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,248 | $5,433 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,790 | $6,810 |
Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.4% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.1% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tempe are 6% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tempe.
Home prices in Tempe are 20.4% lower than in Chapel Hill. - Income in Tempe is 2.3% lower than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn less 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 141.7% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 42.2% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is 68.75% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tempe are 8.00% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- One perk of moving to Tempe is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.44% lower than in Chapel Hill.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,250.44 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Tempe
Tempe | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Population | 180,587 | 63,764 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 54 | 34 |
Bike friendliness score | 75 | 50 |
Crime Index | 42.36 | 26.42 |
Safety Index | 57.64 | 73.58 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Tempe is about 183% greater than Chapel Hill, 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.
- Tempe offers better access to buses and trains than Chapel Hill, based on public transportation ratings. Tempe has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Chapel Hill. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Tempe means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chapel Hill. Tempe is considered more walkable than Chapel Hill, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 34 out of 100 in Chapel Hill. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill is rated as 50 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Tempe is higher than in Chapel Hill, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 42.36 in Tempe, it is 26.42 in Chapel Hill. 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 Tempe. With a crime index of 57.64, Tempe ranks lower in overall safety than Chapel Hill, whose index is Chapel Hill's 73.58. 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.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Tempe has better air quality than in Chapel Hill. Tempe has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill vs. Tempe move
- Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Arizona, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toTempe Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that youโve chosen "Tempe" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tempe to check out.
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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago 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 State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chapel Hill to Tempe. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chapel Hill.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Tempe?
Because spring and fall moves from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Tempe take?
Covering 2,139 miles, the move from Chapel Hill, NC to Tempe, AZ typically takes six to 17 days. Some Chapel Hill movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTempe can help bridge the gap.