Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Reno to Phoenix
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Reno and Phoenix show similar median household incomes (~$81k), but Phoenix has higher median gross rent ($1,582 vs $1,556) and significantly lower median home value ($420,700 vs $548,300). Reno residents enjoy a shorter average commute (22 vs 28 minutes). Phoenix applies a modeled 2.50% state income tax in calculations, while Reno’s tax is excluded per data boundaries. These factors create a trade-off: Reno offers lower housing costs relative to income and shorter commutes, but Phoenix provides more affordable homeownership entry despite higher rents, with tax treatment differing in the model.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → RenoMoving from Reno to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
+$26/mo
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$312 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+6 min / day
Difference of ~50 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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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 VERDICTREN → PHX
57/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$9,272after 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, Reno is about $312 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.
Reno household income$80,760
Phoenix household income$81,332
Reno gross rent$1,556
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Reno | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 273,212 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $80,760 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,556 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $548,300 | $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 22 minutes in Reno 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 identical
- Phoenix has higher rent, lower home value
- Reno has shorter average commute time
- State tax treatment differs in model
What each city wins
Reno
Median rent is 23% of median income.. Watch lower rent burden but high home values limit purchase affordability..
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 has more affordable housing relative to income?
Reno has a lower median gross rent ($1,556) compared to Phoenix ($1,582) despite nearly identical median incomes, making rental costs slightly more favorable in Reno when considering income levels.
How do home values and commute times compare between the two cities?
Phoenix has a substantially lower median home value ($420,700) than Reno ($548,300), but Reno residents benefit from a shorter average commute (22 minutes) versus Phoenix (28 minutes), presenting a trade-off between housing cost and travel time.
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.