Key factors that impact the cost of your Chattanooga to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Phoenix
Moving from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chattanooga compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chattanooga | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $302,565 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 15% higher than in Chattanooga, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Chattanooga.
Home prices in Phoenix are 35.9% higher than in Chattanooga. - Income in Phoenix is 7.3% higher than in Chattanooga, 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 in Phoenix is 28.2% lower than in Chattanooga. 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 20.1% higher than in Chattanooga.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 17.86% higher than in Chattanooga.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 7.03% lower than in Chattanooga.
- State income taxes in Phoenix are 2.50% higher than in Chattanooga.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,153.64 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 181,099 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 41 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 35 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 53.89 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 46.11 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 788% greater than Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Chattanooga. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Phoenix means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chattanooga. Phoenix is considered more walkable than Chattanooga, with a score of 41 out of 100 versus 29 out of 100 in Chattanooga. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Chattanooga in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Chattanooga is rated as 35 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Phoenix as Chattanooga. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Phoenix is generally as safe as Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Scottsdale
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 Chattanooga to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chattanooga to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chattanooga are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Phoenix take?
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,763 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Chattanooga movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.