10 Things To Know About Moving From Los Angeles to Phoenix
Living in LA is great, with exception of the crippling costs and horrible traffic. Honestly, that's why many people are moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix. With the move, you’re swapping palm trees for saguaros, salty air for dry heat, and endless rent hikes for something that feels a bit more breathable. Let’s talk about what really happens when you leave Los Angeles for life in the Valley of the Sun, and what to expect when you finally make the move to Phoenix.
1. You’ll Feel Cost Relief (Mostly)
One of the biggest reasons people leave Los Angeles is cost. The overall cost of living in Phoenix is much lower. Rent prices, grocery bills, and even restaurant tabs tend to drop noticeably once you settle in.
Housing, of course, makes the biggest difference. Homes that would sell for a million dollars in LA might be half that in many parts of Phoenix. You’ll still spend good money to get a nice place, but you won’t feel like you’re buying the privilege to breathe.
Just keep in mind that wages in Arizona can run lower than California’s, so the best way to benefit is to keep your income strong while cutting expenses.
2. Moving Costs Can Add Up
The move itself can surprise you. Professional moving companies charge anywhere from about $2,000 to over $6,000 to go from Los Angeles to Phoenix depending on the amount of furniture and level of service.
If you’re a do-it-yourself type, renting a truck and making the drive can cut the cost considerably, but you’ll earn every penny in sweat. Make sure your moving day does not fall in July or August unless you enjoy lifting furniture in a furnace.
3. The Time Zone Plays Tricks on You
Arizona is one of the few states that does not observe daylight saving time. That means Phoenix sometimes shares the same time as Los Angeles, and other times it’s an hour ahead.
This might sound minor, but when you’re scheduling calls or watching sports, it gets confusing fast. Your phone will keep you honest, but your internal clock may revolt for a few weeks.
4. The Weather Is No Joke
Los Angeles heat has nothing on Phoenix heat. From May through September, the city lives inside an oven. The temperature easily crosses 100 degrees more than one hundred times per year. The air is dry, the sun is fierce, and shade becomes a sacred thing.
Winters, however, are glorious. You’ll trade four mild months in LA for eight months of perfect weather in Phoenix. Plan errands early, drink a heroic amount of water, and accept that air conditioning is part of your identity now.
5. You’ll Still Deal with Traffic, Just a Different Kind
Phoenix may not have LA’s legendary gridlock, but it still has congestion. The metro area sprawls in every direction. That means long drives on wide highways and a lot of time behind the wheel.
The good news is that the traffic moves faster, parking is easier, and you can actually make a left turn without feeling like you’ve done something illegal. Public transit exists, but most residents rely on their cars for nearly everything.
6. Taxes Will Feel Lighter
California’s tax rates can make you dizzy. Arizona’s are far gentler. The state income tax sits much lower, property taxes are modest, and you’ll often see fewer hidden fees attached to daily life.
The money you save might go toward a home upgrade, a boat for weekend trips to Lake Pleasant, or perhaps just more sunscreen. Either way, you’ll notice the difference quickly.
7. The Job Market Is Expanding
Phoenix continues to attract major employers in healthcare, technology, logistics, and business services. Companies are opening new offices throughout the metro area, and the population growth keeps demand strong for skilled workers.
While you might miss LA’s creative industries, Phoenix offers a solid foundation for professionals in practical, growing sectors. Bring your skills, your resume, and your ambition. This is a city that rewards effort.
8. You’ll Trade Ocean Views for Desert Beauty
You may leave the Pacific behind, but you gain wide open desert horizons that feel infinite. The sunsets here glow in impossible shades of orange and pink. The night sky fills with stars instead of city lights.
There are hiking trails minutes from the city, and weekend getaways to Sedona or Flagstaff replace the Malibu day trips you used to take. You might even start to prefer mountain silhouettes to palm trees.
9. Outdoor Life Becomes Seasonal
In Phoenix, outdoor activities revolve around the calendar. Fall, winter, and spring are perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring. Summer, not so much. That’s when early morning and twilight become your exercise windows.
Locals take pride in outsmarting the heat. You’ll learn which patios have misters, which parks have shade, and which restaurants feel best at sunset. Once you master the timing, the desert becomes an incredible playground.
10. Moving from LA to Phoenix Means a Lifestyle Reset
Leaving Los Angeles feels like leaving a world that never stops moving. Phoenix runs on a different rhythm. Things slow down a little. People talk to their neighbors. Commutes shrink. The stress level drops noticeably once you’ve unpacked and settled in.
You’ll discover new habits like morning coffee before sunrise, weekend drives to the lakes, and evenings spent watching monsoon clouds roll in. It’s a change of scenery and a change of pace, both in the best ways.
Moving to Phoenix AZ
If you are getting ready to move from Los Angeles to Phoenix, storage can make your transition smoother. Key Storage on Indian School Road offers climate controlled units that protect your belongings from the desert heat.
The facility also has open air outdoor parking for RVs, boats, and trailers, along with 24-hour surveillance, electronic gate access, and wide drive aisles that make maneuvering large vehicles easy. Drive-up units simplify loading and unloading, and online rentals mean you can reserve a unit from anywhere before your move.
If you need a secure, climate controlled space while you settle into your new Phoenix home, Key Storage is a practical solution with modern features and convenient access right in the heart of the city.
Visit Key Storage on Indian School Road to explore available units and start your move with confidence.