Things to know before moving from North Dakota to Phoenix, AZ

Cost of living: North Dakota vs Phoenix, AZ

North Dakota Phoenix
Average rent cost $912 $1,695
Average home value $263,410 $411,139
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $64,552
Unemployment rate 2% 7%
State income tax 3% 3%
  • Rent is about 86% more expensive in Phoenix than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 56% higher in Phoenix than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in Phoenix than in North Dakota.
  • Phoenix has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 175%.
  • Income taxes are 14% lower in Phoenix than in North Dakota.

How life is different in Phoenix from North Dakota

Phoenix North Dakota
Population 1,608,139 783,926
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 68-32
Summer high 105ºF 82ºF
Winter low 43ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 9" 19"
Annual snow 0" 39"
Crime index 53.06 22.74
  • The population of Phoenix is approximately 105% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Phoenix voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Phoenix is 105ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Phoenix reaches the temperature of 43ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 9 inches of annual rainfall in Phoenix vs 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Phoenix, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Phoenix has a higher crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 53.06 vs 22.74.

Things to do in Phoenix

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

Museums in Phoenixtoggle

  • Musical Instrument Museum
  • Heard Museum
  • Phoenix Art Museum
  • Children’s Museum of Phoenix
  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
  • Pueblo Grande Museum
  • Wells Fargo Museum
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona Capitol Museum
  • Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Parks in Phoenixtoggle

  • Encanto Park
  • Freestone Park
  • Tempe Beach Park
  • Desert Breeze Park
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
  • Kiwanis Park
  • Chaparral Park
  • Sahuaro Ranch Park
  • Margaret T. Hance Park
  • Moon Valley Park
  • Steele Indian School Park

Sports Teams in Phoenixtoggle

  • Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
  • Phoenix Suns (NBA)
  • Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
  • Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
  • Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
  • Phoenix Rising FC (USLC)

Universities in Phoenixtoggle

  • Arizona State University
  • University of Arizona College of Medicine
  • Phoenix College
  • Phoenix Seminary
  • Barrow Neurological Institute
  • Grand Canyon University
  • University of Phoenix
  • Arizona Summit Law School,

Other considerations when moving to Phoenix, AZ

  • Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° 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: 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 Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ

Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ:

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

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Phoenix, AZ
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful nature
Peaceful rural life Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Affordable living costs Ample economic activity
High-quality education opportunities Low cost of living
Open rural spaces Delectable food

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Phoenix, AZ:

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

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Phoenix, AZ
Long and cold winters Extreme weather
Lack of diversity Tourists
Housing shortages Limited public transportation
Small populations Hot summers
Relaxed lifestyle Poor education

FAQ

How long does a move from North Dakota to Phoenix take?

The time frame for a move from North Dakota to Phoenix, 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 Dakota, the longer the drive time to Phoenix 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 Phoenix from North Dakota 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 Dakota to Phoenix?

Because of the 1511-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Dakota to Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ?

With the summer highs of 105ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Phoenix from North Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Phoenix during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources