Uprootmap
Madison vs Phoenix
Madison and Phoenix
Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Phoenix are close to the US rate in this release, 6.6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Madison to Phoenix
In 2022-2023, 174 households filed a move from Madison to Phoenix (about 250 people, average adjusted gross income $80,477). 160 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,330 in Madison and $1,277 in Phoenix. Madison has a state tax on wages. Phoenix has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Phoenix is 97% of the national level for the same work, against 100% in Madison.
Phoenix averages 299 sunny days, with July highs around 106°F and January nights around 46°F. Madison is 188 sunny days, 82°F in July, 12°F in January. Commutes average 26 minutes in Phoenix and 21 in Madison.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 174 households moved Madison → Phoenix (about 250 people, average AGI $80,477). 160 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Madison and Phoenix changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 1,672 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $3,450–$6,450
- Container or pod
- $2,450–$4,600
- Rent a truck
- $1,450–$2,750
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Dig into Phoenix
Questions
Is Phoenix cheaper than Madison after tax and rent?
Yes. Phoenix leaves about $81 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,330 in Madison and $1,277 in Phoenix.
Does Phoenix have state income tax?
Phoenix is in Arizona, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Madison to Phoenix?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.