If you’re not the biggest fan of the cold, snowy winters, and cloudy days, you’re in luck. Phoenix gets around 3,872 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest and warmest cities in the United States.
A bright future isn’t the only pull to living in the Valley of the Sun. The job market is steadily growing, the cost of living is reasonable, and Phoenix has a wealth of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know if you’re considering a move to the Grand Canyon State. We’ll discuss housing costs, the job market, neighborhoods, and lifestyle considerations.
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Phoenix is 10% lower than the state average and 6% higher than the national average. The median household income is $77,041.
Cost Comparison with Other Major Cities
In comparison to the rest of Arizona, the cost of living in Phoenix is moderate. Arizona is home to a melting pot of income levels and housing markets.
To put it into perspective, Paradise Valley is 60% higher than the national average, while Flagstaff lags behind at only 13% higher. With Phoenix at 10% lower than the national average, it’s an attractive choice for new residents, especially given the level of amenities available.
For other major cities, the cost of living in Phoenix is approximately 30% lower than in Los Angeles and 37% lower than in New York City.
Renting vs. Buying in Phoenix
The Phoenix housing market varies depending on the neighborhood. However, Redfin reports that as of May 2025, the market is relaxing in favor of the buyer. The median sale price currently sits at $450,000, nearly a 3% dip from last year.
According to Arizona’s Family, as of 2025, there are about 34% more sellers than buyers, and housing inventory has increased by approximately 50% compared to last year. Homes are spending about seven more days on the market, with the number of homes sold slightly decreasing from 2024.
As for the rental market, Zillow reports that the average rent price across all property types in Phoenix is $1,975, a slight decrease from the year before.
In terms of whether you should rent versus buy, this all depends on your personal goals and lifestyle intentions for moving to Phoenix. Many people will rent for a year or so before deciding to buy, but there is something to be said for taking advantage of the current buyer’s market in Phoenix.
Job Market and Economy
In late 2024, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council reported that non-farm jobs increased by 33,500 from 2023. Healthcare is now the fastest-growing industry in Phoenix, accounting for 14% of the local economy, up from 8% in 2023.
After healthcare, the largest industry in Phoenix is professional services, with one out of every six jobs available in this sector.
Tips for Job Seekers
If you’re job hunting before or after the move, start with local job boards and networking groups.
Make sure your resume is concise and easy to read. Save your resume in PDF format; this file type plays best with most hiring software programs. PDFs also keep URLs to portfolios or websites live when opened in a supported PDF viewer.
Keep your portfolio up-to-date and easy to navigate. Ensure reviews, testimonials, and references are clearly laid out, regularly updated, and linked correctly if hosted on a third-party website.
Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix to Consider
Phoenix is part of the Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Maricopa and Pinal counties. There are many cities and towns within the MSA to choose from, each offering something unique to locals.
Here are our top four:
- Arcadia: Gorgeous area with plenty of greenery, orange trees, upscale historical homes, and highly rated restaurants.
- Ahwatukee Foothills: A quiet area that’s great for active families with parks, biking trails, and great schools.
- Alhambra: Ideal for families seeking a blend of urban and suburban experiences. Culturally diverse with a rich Mexican and Native American presence. Excellent schooling and cuisine.
- Chandler: Known for its high quality of life, strong job market, entrepreneurial spirit, excellent schools, top-tier healthcare, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Area for Your Lifestyle
Think about what matters most to you in your daily life. Things like easy access to transit, parks and recreation, walkability, nightlife, family-friendly spaces, and outdoor living. Make your decision based on these factors.
It’s worth exploring short-term rentals (where applicable) to determine if an area is right for you before committing. There are plenty of great storage options in Phoenix to look into if you need to store your belongings before making a permanent move.
Getting Around the Valley
Having a strategy for getting around Phoenix is key. Some areas are more walkable than others, while others have better access to transit, and some require a car to move around effectively.
Public Transit and Light Rail
Most commuters rely on buses and the light rail system, which is managed by Phoenix’s Valley Metro. The light rail has 50 stations serving Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe. It operates 365 days a year, for over 20 hours a day, with a 12-minute frequency during peak times. That said, the MSA is very widespread, and some residents feel transportation services could be more reliable. A chief concern is that some areas are not as well-served, and commuting to certain destinations can take three times as long on transit as it would by car.
If you like the heat, the sun, great food, and the outdoors, the Valley of the Sun has plenty of activities to offer.
Food Scene and Local Events
Mexican and southwestern cuisine are big parts of the local eatery scene in Phoenix. The city also boasts excellent seafood, steak, and Asian-inspired options to enjoy.
As for events, this is also heavily influenced by food culture. Food festivals and cocktail events are plentiful, as are coffee tastings, trivia nights, speed dating, and game nights.
Eventbrite features a comprehensive list of upcoming events to enjoy.
Outdoor Activities and Natural Attractions
Phoenix has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Explore Papago Park, hike Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, or walk through the Desert Botanical Garden.
Understanding the Climate
Always bear in mind that Phoenix is hot. Very hot. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38 °C) in the summer months, and spring and winter are also fairly warm.
When planning outings or taking transit, be sure to bring water, sunblock, and something to cover your head with. Find shade wherever possible, and invest in a good air conditioner for your home.
The City of Phoenix offers heat relief centers throughout the city from May to September.
Monsoon Season and Air Quality
From mid-June to mid-September, monsoons and heavy winds bring dust storms, also known as haboobs. These dust storms have a significant impact on air quality, which can cause issues for individuals with respiratory problems and lead to eye and skin irritation in most people.
Practical Tips for Settling In
Moving comes with a multitude of tasks to consider, from lifestyle adjustments to setting up utilities.
Utilities and Services Setup
Residents have some choice in where they decide to set up their utilities:
- Electric: Non-profit Salt River Project (SRP) or commercially owned Arizona Public Service (APS)
- Water: Managed by the Phoenix Water Services Department.
- Internet: Cox, CenturyLink (Lumen Technologies), T-Mobile, Verizon, and more.
Wherever you move from, you will need to update your license and vehicle registration with the Arizona MVD 10 days after you change your address.
Local Laws and Lifestyle Adjustments
A few things to keep in mind when moving to Phoenix:
- Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time
- Tinted front windows are regulated, and any darkness is allowed for rear and back windows.
- Phoenix is very pet-friendly, and there are plenty of dog parks to enjoy.
A note about pets: Be aware that leash laws in Phoenix are strictly enforced. Always keep your dog on a leash six feet or shorter; no dog is allowed to be “at large” off an owner’s property.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Phoenix
Moving to Phoenix comes with high sun, hot temperatures, and plenty of great outdoors to explore. Whether you’re moving for a new job or a new lifestyle, living in Phoenix has a lot to offer.
Need a place to store your stuff while you settle in? CubeSmart has self-storage facilities throughout Phoenix and across Arizona to help make your move easier.
