Key factors that impact the cost of your Albany to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Albany to Phoenix
Moving from Albany to Phoenix comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Phoenix is generally more expensive than Albany, 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:
Albany | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $281,584 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,546 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,801 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,205 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 10.9% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 17% higher than in Albany, 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 Albany.
Home prices in Phoenix are 46.0% higher than in Albany. - Income in Phoenix is 3.0% lower than in Albany, 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.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Phoenix, since the cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 31.5% higher than in Albany. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 24.3% higher than in Albany.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 7.04% lower than in Albany.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 7.50% higher than in Albany.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 77.06% lower than in Albany.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,946.14 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.
How life is different in Albany vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 99,224 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 41 | 65 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 55 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 10.0 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 49.65 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 1,521% greater than Albany, 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.
- Getting around Phoenix without a car might be more difficult than in Albany. Phoenix has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Albany is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Phoenix neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Albany. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isnโt as walkable as Albany, which has a score of 65 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Phoenix and Albany are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 56 and 55 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Phoenix is higher than in Albany, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.06 in Phoenix, it is 10.0 in Albany. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- Phoenix is generally as safe as Albany, 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 isnโt as good as it is in Albany, 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 Albany 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 Albany 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 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 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-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 Phoenix
Now that youโve 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
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโs Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs 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 Albany to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Albany to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Albany are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Albany to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Albany 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 Albany to Phoenix take?
Moving from Albany, NY to Phoenix, AZ covers 2,481 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Albany movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.