Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Durham to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Durham to Scottsdale
Moving from Durham to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Durham, 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:
| Durham | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,699 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $396,291 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,803 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,945 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 94% higher than in Durham, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Durham.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 111.2% higher than in Durham. - Income in Scottsdale is 83.7% lower than in Durham, 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 105.2% higher than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 23.1% lower than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 14.63% higher than in Durham.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 7.33% higher than in Durham.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.44% lower than in Durham.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,157.33 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.
How life is different in Durham vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 283,506 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 38 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 54.72 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 45.28 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Scottsdale might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 15% less than Durham.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Durham, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Durham. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Durham. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 30 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 Durham 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 Durham is rated as 38 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Durham based on scores of 25.8 and Durham's 54.72, 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 Scottsdale than in Durham, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 45.28 for Durham. 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 Durham 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 Durham 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: 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 toScottsdale 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 Scottsdale
Now that youโve chosen "West's Most Western Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale to check out.
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 settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Scottsdale has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale is home to museums and cultural arts 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 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 Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Durham 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 Durham to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Durham, NC to Scottsdale, AZ covers 2,138 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Durham movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
