Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Myrtle Beach to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Myrtle Beach to Phoenix
Moving from Myrtle Beach to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Myrtle Beach than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Myrtle Beach compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Myrtle Beach | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,850 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $299,556 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,985 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,388 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,791 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 8% lower than in Myrtle Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Myrtle Beach.
Home prices in Phoenix are 37.2% higher than in Myrtle Beach. - Income in Phoenix is 19.6% higher than in Myrtle Beach, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Phoenix and Myrtle Beach. 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 9.1% higher than in Myrtle Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 13.16% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 4.44% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 64.29% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,976.13 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Myrtle Beach vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Myrtle Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 35,682 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 54 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 58.06 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 41.94 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 4,407% greater than Myrtle Beach, 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.
- Phoenix offers better access to buses and trains than Myrtle Beach, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 2 in Myrtle Beach. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Myrtle Beach. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 43 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Phoenix and Myrtle Beach are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 56 and 54 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.
- Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Myrtle Beach based on scores of 53.06 and Myrtle Beach's 58.06, 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 Phoenix than in Myrtle Beach, based on Phoenixโs safety index of 46.94 versus 41.94 for Myrtle Beach. 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 Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Phoenix without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Phoenix
With your sights set on "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
Once youโre settled into your new home in Arizona, itโs time to get out and discover what Phoenix has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Myrtle Beach to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Myrtle Beach to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Myrtle Beach are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Myrtle Beach to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach to Phoenix take?
Moving from Myrtle Beach, SC to Phoenix, AZ covers 2,168 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Myrtle Beach movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
