Things to know before moving from North Carolina to Scottsdale, AZ

Cost of living: North Carolina vs Scottsdale, AZ

North Carolina Scottsdale
Average rent cost $1,093 $3,300
Average home value $328,715 $827,308
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $64,533
Unemployment rate 4% 5%
State income tax 5% 3%
  • Rent is about 202% more expensive in Scottsdale than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 152% higher in Scottsdale than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 2% lower in Scottsdale than in North Carolina.
  • Scottsdale has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 27%.
  • Income taxes are 44% lower in Scottsdale than in North Carolina.

How life is different in Scottsdale from North Carolina

Scottsdale North Carolina
Population 241,361 10,835,491
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 51-49
Summer high 104ºF 88ºF
Winter low 42ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 11" 48"
Annual snow 0" 4"
Crime index 25.8 24.69
  • The population of Scottsdale is approximately 98% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Scottsdale voted Republican and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Scottsdale is 104ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Scottsdale reaches the temperature of 42ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 11 inches of annual rainfall in Scottsdale vs 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In Scottsdale, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • Scottsdale has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 25.8 vs 24.69.

Things to do in Scottsdale

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Scottsdale.

Museums in Scottsdaletoggle

  • Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
  • Penske Racing Museum
  • Cosanti
  • Wonderspaces Arizona
  • Main Street Arts District
  • Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Parks in Scottsdaletoggle

  • Chaparral Park
  • Xeriscape Garden
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
  • Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden
  • George "Doc" Cavalliere Park
  • Pinnacle Peak Park

Sports Teams in Scottsdaletoggle

  • Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB)

Universities in Scottsdaletoggle

  • Scottsdale Community College
  • Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
  • University of Phoenix
  • Gateway Seminary
  • Scottsdale Culinary Institute

Other considerations when moving to Scottsdale, AZ

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of North Carolina vs. Scottsdale, AZ

Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. Scottsdale, AZ:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in North Carolina vs Scottsdale side-by-side.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in Scottsdale, AZ
Great communities Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Low cost of living Beautiful nature
Ample economic opportunity Bustling nightlife
High quality of life Quality healthcare
Bountiful recreational opportunities Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Scottsdale, AZ:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving North Carolina for Scottsdale.

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in Scottsdale, AZ
Hurricanes Tourists
Bland weather Terrible traffic
High crime rate Dangerous wildlife
High tax burden Hot summers
Poor education Low diversity

FAQ

How long does a move from North Carolina to Scottsdale take?

The time frame for a move from North Carolina to Scottsdale, AZ, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in North Carolina, the longer the drive time to Scottsdale will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Scottsdale from North Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Carolina to Scottsdale?

Because of the 2144-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Carolina to Scottsdale as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Scottsdale, AZ?

With the summer highs of 104ºF and the winter lows of 42ºF, most people move to Scottsdale from North Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Scottsdale during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources