Phoenix has been named the No. 16 U.S. city where moving places the most financial stress and pressure on renters.
New analysis from debt relief program Freedom Debt Relief has found that moving into a one-bedroom rental in Phoenix requires more than a full month of the city’s median renter household income.
The study estimated upfront moving costs across 30 major U.S. cities, including rent, a security deposit, rental fees, movers and household setup expenses. It then compared each total with local median renter income to reveal where the cost would be hardest to absorb.
Phoenix renters would need an estimated $4,775 upfront, equivalent to 1.06 months of the city’s median renter household income.
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Moving Costs and Financial Pressure in Phoenix
| National Rank | City | Upfront cost | Monthly renter income | Pressure score |
| 16 | Phoenix, AZ | $4,775 | $4,500 | 1.06 |
• Moving costs exceed a full month of renter income. Phoenix’s estimated $4,775 upfront bill is $275 higher than the city’s median monthly renter household income of $4,500.
• Rent and the security deposit drive more than half of the expense. At an estimated $1,350 each, these two payments total $2,700, around 57% of the full upfront cost.
• Setup costs add substantial pressure beyond housing payments. Local movers, rental fees, utility and internet setup, supplies and household essentials add another $2,075, potentially forcing renters without sufficient savings to delay their move, reduce other spending or rely on credit.
