The Top Reasons People Regret Moving To Phoenix Arizona

If you’re thinking about moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 2025, you might be wondering how much it’ll cost to live here. With home prices rising, utility costs on the uptick, and the unique wildlife that calls the desert home, there’s a lot to think about before making the move. In this post, I’ll break down the cost of living in Phoenix, share insights into the job market, and give you a real look at what life is like in the Valley of the Sun.

The Rising Cost of Housing

In 2020, the median home sales price in Phoenix was about $340,000. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has jumped to $535,000. That’s a significant increase over the past few years, but it’s not entirely unexpected. With more people relocating to Phoenix for its warm weather and affordable lifestyle, the housing market has become more competitive. While home prices have increased, they are still relatively affordable compared to other major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Why the Increase?

A big reason for the price hike is the relocation of many major businesses to Phoenix. Arizona’s favorable business climate has attracted companies from across the country, bringing with them high-paying jobs that help support the increase in housing costs. It’s a trend that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, so if you’re looking to buy in Phoenix, now might be the time to act before prices climb even higher.

Utilities & Groceries

When it comes to utilities, Phoenix is about 4% higher than the national average. Groceries, on the other hand, are trending on par with the national average in 2025. For a while, our grocery prices were higher than the national average, but it seems like the rest of the country is catching up—because I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen prices go down in a while!

Transportation Costs

If you’re planning to move to Phoenix, here’s a big factor to keep in mind: you’ll need a car. The price of gas in 2020 was around $2.57 per gallon, but as of 2025, it’s jumped to about $4.47 per gallon. That’s a steep increase, and it’s something you’ll want to budget for when you move here. The good news? While gas prices have risen, public transportation options are available, but they might not be as convenient as driving yourself—especially if you live in the suburbs.

The Job Market in Phoenix

Phoenix’s job market is strong in 2025, and many of the jobs being added are high-paying. A lot of companies have moved to Arizona, attracted by lower taxes and a business-friendly environment. With all these new companies come a lot of new jobs—many of which are in high-tech fields, healthcare, finance, and more. The increase in well-paying jobs means that residents can better manage the higher cost of living, especially when compared to other large metro areas.

Wildlife in Phoenix: Expect the Unexpected

Now, let's talk about the wildlife. Yes, Phoenix is in the desert, and that means some pretty unique animals. From coyotes to bobcats, scorpions, and snakes, there’s a chance you might encounter one of these creatures while living here. But don’t worry—most of these animals prefer to keep their distance from humans.

When I first moved here, I’ll admit I was terrified of running into a snake during my walks. But here’s the thing: while it’s possible to encounter one, it’s not likely to be as dramatic as you might imagine. Snakes, like many other desert animals, would rather avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions (like keeping your distance), you'll be just fine.

If you're thinking about living in areas like North Scottsdale, you'll have a higher chance of encountering some of these animals. But if you're in Central Phoenix, you’ll likely see less wildlife around your daily routine.

Bottomline

So, is Phoenix still a great place to live in 2025? Absolutely. While the cost of living has increased over the past few years, Phoenix remains an affordable city compared to other major metro areas in the U.S. Plus, with the influx of businesses and high-paying jobs, the growing economy helps to support the rise in living costs.

If you’re ready to make the move, or if you’re just curious about what it’s like to live here, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help you explore the real estate options available, whether you’re looking for your first home or something more luxurious.

Want to learn more about buying a home in Phoenix or moving here? Watch my latest video for all the details, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to helping you with your move to Phoenix!