Moving to Phoenix, AZ
Thinking about moving to Phoenix, AZ? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 103 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,700/month, summers average 87°F, and Arizona has a top income tax rate of 2.5%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Phoenix.
- Cost of living
- 103
- Typical 2BR rent
- $1,700/mo
- Avg summer high
- 87°F
- Avg winter low
- 64°F
Cost of living in Phoenix
Phoenix's cost-of-living index is 103 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,700 per month. Arizona levies a top income tax rate of 2.5% and an average combined sales tax of 8.38%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.
Climate and best time to move
Expect average summer highs near 87°F, winter lows around 64°F, and about 8 inches of precipitation a year in Phoenix. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. This is a hot-climate metro — spring or late fall avoids peak summer heat during the load/unload.
Setting up utilities in Phoenix
Line up your utilities before move day. In the Phoenix–Mesa area that typically means APS, SRP, Southwest Gas. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.
Popular routes to Phoenix
Licensed movers in Arizona
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix expensive to live in?
- Phoenix has a cost-of-living index of 103 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,700/month.
- What's the weather like in Phoenix?
- Summer highs average 87°F, winter lows about 64°F, with roughly 8 inches of annual precipitation.
- When is the best time to move to Phoenix?
- Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.
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Sources
- MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15