Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Scottsdale
Moving from Raleigh to Scottsdale means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Scottsdale, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Raleigh compares to Scottsdale so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Raleigh | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,670 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 98% higher than in Raleigh, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Raleigh.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 91.6% higher than in Raleigh. - Income in Scottsdale is 2,409.1% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- The cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 5.3% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 24.8% lower than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 9.30% higher than in Raleigh.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 11.03% higher than in Raleigh.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.44% lower than in Raleigh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,840.05 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 467,665 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 38.87 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 60.13 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Scottsdale might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 48% less than Raleigh.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Raleigh. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 31 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Raleigh based on scores of 25.8 and Raleigh's 38.87, 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 Raleigh, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 60.13 for Raleigh. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Scottsdale has better air quality than in Raleigh. Scottsdale has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, itโs the perfect time to explore Scottsdale. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Scottsdale, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Scottsdale are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Raleigh, NC to Scottsdale, AZ covers 2,161 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
