Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Irving to Phoenix
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Irving and Phoenix show nearly identical median household incomes (~$81.5k), but diverge in housing costs and commutes. Irving has lower median gross rent ($1,619 vs. $1,582) but significantly lower home values ($315,600 vs. $420,700), suggesting different equity trade-offs. Phoenix’s slightly longer commute (28 vs. 26 minutes) and higher home values reflect its larger metro scale, while its 2.50% state income tax reference (per calculator assumption) introduces a fiscal consideration absent in Texas. Neither city clearly dominates; the choice hinges on whether one prioritizes lower entry housing costs (Irving), potential long-term appreciation (Phoenix), or tax-inclusive budgeting.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → IrvingMoving from Irving to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
-$37/mo
Moving to Phoenix saves ~$444/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+2 min / day
Difference of ~17 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTIRV → PHX
60/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$10,028after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference
Watch closelyThe $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above Dallas despite similar commute time
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Phoenix is about $444 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Irving household income$81,830
Phoenix household income$81,332
Irving gross rent$1,619
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Irving | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 256,492 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $81,830 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,619 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $315,600 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 26 minutes in Irving and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income nearly equal
- Phoenix has higher home values
- Irving has slightly lower rent
- Phoenix has longer commute and tax assumption
What each city wins
Irving
Median rent is 23.7% of median income.. Watch higher home values may reflect long-term equity potential despite monthly costs..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
Which city offers more affordable renting based on 2024 ACS data?
Phoenix has a marginally lower median gross rent at $1,582 per month compared to Irving’s $1,619, a difference of $37 monthly. Both figures are 2024 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect citywide averages, not neighborhood-specific asking rents.
How do home values and taxes compare between the two cities?
Irving’s median owner-occupied home value is $315,600, well below Phoenix’s $420,700. While Texas has no state income tax, the calculator applies a 2.50% state income-tax reference for Phoenix as a modeling assumption—not actual liability—affecting net income comparisons.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.