Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Memphis to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Memphis to Scottsdale
Moving from Memphis to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Memphis, 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:
| Memphis | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,299 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 154% higher than in Memphis, 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 Memphis.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 475.7% higher than in Memphis. - Income in Scottsdale is 34.2% higher than in Memphis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Scottsdale, since the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 212.3% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Scottsdale, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 3.8% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 41.25% lower than in Memphis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 17.44% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in Scottsdale are 2.50% higher than in Memphis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,369.71 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 633,104 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 41 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 77.49 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 22.51 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Scottsdale might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 62% less than Memphis.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Memphis, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Memphis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Memphis. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 35 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Scottsdale is considered more bike-friendly than Memphis in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Memphis is rated as 41 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Memphis based on scores of 25.8 and Memphis's 77.49, 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 Scottsdale than in Memphis, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 22.51 for Memphis. 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 Scottsdale and Memphis is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Memphis vs. Scottsdale move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale
With your sights set on "West's Most Western Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
Once youโre settled into your new home in Arizona, itโs time to get out and discover what Scottsdale has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden 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 Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to Scottsdale are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Memphis to Scottsdale 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 Memphis to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Memphis, TN to Scottsdale, AZ covers 1,412 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Memphis movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
