Best Salinas to Phoenix Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Phoenix and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 673 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Salinas to Phoenix moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Phoenix. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Salinas to Phoenix Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.759.64Authorized For HHGContact
2New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.319.4Authorized For PropertyContact
3Mod Movers8.798.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.607.06Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Salinas to Phoenix

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 673 miles from Salinas, CA to Phoenix, AZ will cost on average $2,354 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Phoenix move is roughly $5,643. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,584300 ft³5.28
1 Bedroom$2,354450 ft³5.23
2 Bedrooms$3,885750 ft³5.18
3 Bedrooms$5,6431100 ft³5.13
4 Bedrooms$8,1281600 ft³5.08
5+ Bedrooms$9,0541800 ft³5.03
*Please note: These California to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Arizona. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to AZ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Phoenix to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Phoenix Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.75/10
based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 991+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.79/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.60/10
based on 366+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown, but by comparing the local neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Phoenix, AZ, we can help bridge that gap. This guide aims to familiarize you with Phoenix by comparing its neighborhoods to those you might already know in Salinas, making your transition as smooth as possible.

SalinasPhoenixHow They're Similar
South SalinasArcadiaFamily-friendly, green spaces
North SalinasDeer ValleySuburban feel, amenities
Maple ParkEncantoHistoric homes, community vibe
CreekbridgeDesert RidgeModern homes, shopping centers
Monte VistaNorth MountainScenic views, hiking trails
LaurelwoodAhwatukee FoothillsQuiet, outdoor activities
Los OlivosRoosevelt RowArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Mission ParkCoronadoHistoric, diverse community
Harrod ParkAlhambraAffordable, family-friendly
University ParkTempeYoung professionals, entertainment

The neighborhoods of Salinas, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, offer unique atmospheres, from the historic charm of Maple Park, reminiscent of Encanto with its community feel and heritage homes, to the vibrant, artsy vibe of Los Olivos, which finds its match in Roosevelt Row's colorful nightlife and art scene. If you're drawn to South Salinas for its family-friendly parks and schools, Arcadia in Phoenix offers a similar welcoming environment plus the added bonus of picturesque green spaces ideal for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, for those who appreciate Creekbridge's modern homes and proximity to shopping, Desert Ridge presents a compelling Phoenix parallel with its up-to-date residential options and comprehensive retail landscapes. Each Phoenix neighborhood brings something special to the table, ensuring that former Salinas residents can find a new place to call home without sacrificing the qualities they loved most about their old neighborhood.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Phoenix

Moving from one city to another can come with a mix of emotions and practical considerations. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Salinas, CA to Phoenix, AZ . Through comparing the cons and pros respectively, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what awaits in your new desert city.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Less sunny days
  • Smaller community
  • Less job opportunities
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Lower living costs
  • More sunny days
  • Larger community
  • More job opportunities
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Landlocked
  • Hotter summers
  • Desert landscape
  • More urbanized
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Proximity to the coast
  • Cooler summers
  • Richer agriculture
  • Smaller, close-knit community

Salinas, recognized for its lush agricultural landscape and proximity to the Monterey Peninsula, offers a unique charm with cooler summers and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Local farmers' markets like the ones at Oldtown Salinas are abundant, offering fresh, local produce. In contrast, Phoenix's desert landscape brings with it a beauty of its own, including renowned botanical gardens such as the Desert Botanical Garden and a myriad of job opportunities in bustling sectors. Despite the hotter summers, Phoenix invites newcomers with its extensive community engagements and vibrant city life, showcasing areas like the Downtown Phoenix district full of restaurants, arts, and entertainment venues, positioning it as a magnetic point for those seeking both career progress and a sunnier lifestyle.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Food Guide

Understanding food is essential when exploring a new city, as it deeply reflects the local culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas & Phoenix to help you get acquainted with the culinary scene awaiting you. Whether you're a food lover or just curious about your new home, this comparison will provide insights into what your taste buds can expect.

SalinasPhoenix
Most iconic local food itemArtichokesSonoran hot dog
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQCarne asada
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian BurritosVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • 1. Patria
  • 2. Gino's Fine Italian Food
  • 3. The Steinbeck House
  • 1. Pizzeria Bianco
  • 2. Durant's
  • 3. The Duce
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Phoenix, the food scene is vibrant, blending traditional Southwestern flavors with modern culinary trends. The Sonoran hot dog, a unique twist on an American classic, can be found throughout the city, but especially in bustling areas like Downtown Phoenix. For vegans, Phoenix offers an impressive range of options, with vegan tacos being a local favorite; notable establishments in the Roosevelt Row neighborhood cater specifically to a plant-based audience. The city also prides itself on its food truck scene, delivering an eclectic mix of cuisines directly to the streets. Eating in Phoenix is not just about the food; it's an exploration of the city's diverse culture and history.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a daunting task, but finding your new favorite dining spots shouldn't be. This restaurant comparison is designed to turn the unfamiliar streets of Phoenix into a comforting culinary journey. It's a guide to help someone find their new favorite eateries by using Salinas as a starting point to discover Phoenix . Whether you're craving high-end dining, casual bites, or that unique foodie spot, let's embark on a flavorful exploration together.

SalinasPhoenixWhat You'll Love
PatriaTrattoSimilar focus on upscale, contemporary dining with a local twist
La Casa del SazónBarrio CaféBoth celebrate authentic, regional Mexican cuisine
Gino's Fine Italian FoodCiboGenuine Italian fare in a charming, historic setting
Eagle RestaurantLittle Miss BBQRenowned for exceptional meats and homestyle sides
Giorgio's Italian Food & PizzeriaPizzeria BiancoBoth offer an unforgettable, artisanal pizza experience
First AwakeningsMatt's Big BreakfastPopular for hearty, high-quality breakfast staples
Salinas City BBQBobby QBoth are celebrated for their mouthwatering BBQ and casual vibe
Grower's PubDurant'sClassic, old-school steakhouse ambiance and top-notch steaks
Sang's CaféLux CentralUnique, eclectic menu with a vibrant, bustling atmosphere
Monterey Coast BrewingAngels Trumpet Ale HouseFocuses on craft beers and inventive pub fare

Among these culinary parallels, the relationship between La Casa del Sazón in Salinas and Barrio Café in Phoenix is particularly noteworthy. Both establishments ooze authenticity and pay homage to their roots through traditional Mexican dishes, offering a vibrant taste of culture in every bite. Meanwhile, lovers of Italian cuisine will find solace in the transition from Gino's Fine Italian Food to Cibo, where the essence of Italy is captured not only in the dishes but also in the ambiance of a lovingly restored historic home. These comparisons aren't just about satisfying cravings—they're about finding the heart of a meal miles away from its origin yet close to its essence.

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Salinas vs. Phoenix Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your transition from one city to another. Understanding how housing options in Salinas and Phoenix compare will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision. Highlighting aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle, this comparison aims to provide a detailed snapshot of what to expect.

ComparisonSalinasPhoenix
Typical Architecture StyleRanchSpanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to agricultureNearby hiking trails

The difference in housing costs between Salinas and Phoenix is quite stark, with median home prices and rent significantly higher in Salinas. This difference reflects the overall cost of living in each city and could be a crucial factor in your decision-making process. Additionally, the architectural styles give each city a distinct feel; Salinas is known for its Ranch-style homes, while Phoenix boasts beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture. The urban lifestyle rating slightly favors Phoenix, likely due to its larger population and more diverse amenities. This could mean a more vibrant city life in Phoenix, with plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, given the city’s proximity to natural attractions.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ

1. Midtown Phoenix: Known for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly patios, your furry friends will love the welcoming atmosphere and Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub for a bite where pets are happily seen on the patio.

2. Arcadia: This neighborhood is a paradise for pets with spacious backyards and close proximity to Camelback Mountain for adventurous walks and hikes, making it perfect for active dogs.

3. Roosevelt Row: This artsy district not only welcomes pets in many galleries and cafes but also hosts pet-centric events like the annual Phoestivus market, making it an incredibly fun and engaging community for pet lovers.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Salinas, CA to Phoenix, AZ, understanding the differences in weather can help prepare you for your new home. This comparison highlights weather patterns, seasonal changes, and environmental factors to expect, ensuring you adapt more comfortably.

Summer icon
70°F / 55°F

Salinas, CA

106°F / 83°F

Phoenix, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62°F / 44°F

Salinas, CA

67°F / 46°F

Phoenix, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15"

Salinas, CA

8"

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Salinas, CA

0

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalinasPhoenix
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHeatwaves
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Salinas offers a moderate climate with milder summers and more humidity, Phoenix presents a stark contrast with its scorching summers and significantly lower humidity levels. Phoenix, acclaimed for its abundance of sunshine, significantly outshines Salinas in terms of sunny days, making it ideal for sun-lovers but a challenge for those unaccustomed to intense heat. Additionally, while both locations have their specific natural disaster risks—earthquakes in Salinas and heatwaves in Phoenix—the difference in air quality and allergy triggers between the two cities could notably impact your health and daily comfort. Understanding these distinctions will be crucial in adjusting to your new environment smoothly.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salinas to Phoenix

When planning a move from Salinas, CA to Phoenix, AZ, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will highlight the key differences in cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Salinas and Phoenix, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

ComparisonSalinasPhoenix
Avg. Household Income$80,154$68,435
Cost of Living Index136.4100.7
State Income TaxUp to 13.3%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.79%0.62%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%8.6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Healthcare, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateMixed
PovertySignificantNotable
HomelessnessConspicuousVisible

Moving from Salinas to Phoenix represents a significant change, especially financially. The cost of living in Phoenix is substantially lower than in Salinas, attributed mainly to more affordable housing and lesser state income tax. However, it's important to note that the average household income also drops slightly in Phoenix. The two cities boast different leading industries, which may influence job opportunities. Salinas is known for its agriculture, while Phoenix thrives with technology and healthcare industries. Understanding these differences can help in making an informed decision about your relocation and managing expectations about your lifestyle changes.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Political & Religious Comparison

As you prepare to move, understanding the comparison of the politics between Salinas & Phoenix, alongside the religious landscape, provides insight into the communities' dynamics. This quick snapshot aims to offer a glimpse into what life might be like in your new city, focusing on the political and religious makeup of the population.

SalinasPhoenix
Political Make-upLargely LiberalModerately Conservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic DominanceBalanced, with Republican Lean
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with diverse small communitiesPrimarily Christian, significant non-religious population

Transitioning from Salinas to Phoenix, you're moving from a city with a firmly liberal viewpoint to one that presents a more moderated, perhaps slightly conservative, political landscape. While Salinas shows a dominant Democratic inclination, Phoenix harbors a more balanced political scene, with a noteworthy presence of both Democratic and Republican supporters. Religion-wise, both cities share a strong Christian majority, yet Phoenix stands out for its larger non-religious community. This reflects not just in the religious institutions you might attend, such as Phoenix Community Church or Salinas Community Church, but also in the community events and social issues prioritized locally.

Salinas vs. Phoenix Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison between traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Phoenix is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, so you can adjust to your new city with ease.

ComparisonSalinasPhoenix
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

In both Salinas and Phoenix, having a car can significantly ease your daily commute and broaden your access to various amenities and job opportunities. Salinas offers a slightly better scenario for public transit users, though getting around without a car can still be demanding. Traffic congestion is more pronounced in Phoenix, which could affect your commute times and possibly your decision on where to live within the city. In contrast, Salinas presents a less chaotic traffic environment, making for a slightly more relaxed commute. Understanding these differences can help you plan better as you transition to Phoenix, where relying more on personal or shared vehicles might become a necessity.

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