Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Phoenix, AZ

Cost of living: South Carolina vs Phoenix, AZ

South Carolina Phoenix
Average rent cost $1,065 $1,695
Average home value $295,769 $411,139
Average income (per capita) $63,623 $64,552
Unemployment rate 5% 7%
State income tax 7% 3%
  • Rent is about 59% more expensive in Phoenix than in South Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 39% higher in Phoenix than in South Carolina.
  • The average income is about 1% higher in Phoenix than in South Carolina.
  • Phoenix has a higher unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 40%.
  • Income taxes are 64% lower in Phoenix than in South Carolina.

How life is different in Phoenix from South Carolina

Phoenix South Carolina
Population 1,608,139 5,373,555
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 58-42
Summer high 105ºF 91ºF
Winter low 43ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 9" 48"
Annual snow 0" 1"
Crime index 53.06 28.0
  • The population of Phoenix is approximately 70% lower than the population of South Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Phoenix voted Republican and South Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Phoenix is 105ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Phoenix reaches the temperature of 43ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 9 inches of annual rainfall in Phoenix vs 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
  • In Phoenix, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
  • Phoenix has a higher crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 53.06 vs 28.0.

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 South Carolina vs. Phoenix, AZ

Comparing the pros of South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs Phoenix side-by-side.

Pros of living in South Carolina Pros of living in Phoenix, AZ
Warm southern hospitality Beautiful nature
Plentiful outdoor activities Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Beautiful landscapes Ample economic activity
Consistently gorgeous weather Low cost of living
Rich historical significance Delectable food

Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Phoenix, AZ:

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

Cons of living in South Carolina Cons of living in Phoenix, AZ
High cost of living Extreme weather
Hurricane frequency Tourists
Low quality of healthcare Limited public transportation
High taxes Hot summers
Abundance of construction Poor education

FAQ

How long does a move from South Carolina to Phoenix take?

The time frame for a move from South Carolina 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 South Carolina, 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 South 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 South Carolina to Phoenix?

Because of the 2010-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Carolina 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 South 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 Phoenix during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources