Key factors that impact the cost of your Durham to Phoenix movetoggle

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Durham to Phoenix (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,505, while larger moves may reach $12,576 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Durham.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,481 to $3,656, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Phoenix

Moving from Durham 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 Durham than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Durham compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Durham Phoenix
Average rent cost $1,699 $1,695
Average home value $391,719 $411,139
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $64,552
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $2,369
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $5,226
Unemployment rate 4.1% 6.6%
Sales tax 7.5% 8.6%
State income tax 4.5% 2.5%
  • Rent prices are the same in Phoenix and Durham.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Durham.
    Home prices in Phoenix are 5.0% higher than in Durham.
  • Income in Phoenix is 83.7% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less 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 15.5% lower than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 12.1% lower than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 60.98% higher than in Durham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Phoenix are 14.67% higher than in Durham.
  • One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.44% lower than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,535.50 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Phoenix

Phoenix Durham
Population 1,608,139 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 41 30
Bike friendliness score 56 38
Crime Index 53.06 54.72
Safety Index 46.94 45.28
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of Phoenix is about 467% greater than Durham, 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 Durham, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Durham. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Phoenix means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Durham. Phoenix is considered more walkable than Durham, with a score of 41 out of 100 versus 30 out of 100 in Durham. A cityโ€™s 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 Durham 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 Durham is rated as 38 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Phoenix as Durham. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Phoenix is generally as safe as Durham, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Phoenix isnโ€™t as good as it is in Durham, 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 Durham 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 Durham 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: 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it\โ€™s 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 toPhoenix 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-effectivenessโ€”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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Phoenix

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Arizona's Urban Heart" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Camelback East
  • Encanto
  • Estrella Village
  • North Gateway
  • South Mountain

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Arcadia/Biltmore
  • Ahwatukee
  • Gilbert
  • Paradise Valley
  • Scottsdale

Things to do in Phoenix

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

  • Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโ€™s Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s 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 Durham to Phoenix?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Durham are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Phoenix?

With many people choosing to move from Durham 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 Durham to Phoenix take?

Moving from Durham, NC to Phoenix, AZ covers 2,162 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Durham movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources