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Relocation Guide

Moving to Tempe

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun—packed with outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and year-round sunshine.

This guide will help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your new home base as you prepare to attend Sonoran University of Health Sciences!

Cacti in the Arizona desert.

Neighborhoods

Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue District – Highly walkable, close to dining, cafés, nightlife, Tempe 

Town Lake, and community events.

Tempe Town Lake / Rio Salado corridor – Modern apartments near paths, parks, and festivals, with easy access to transit and cycling routes. 

South Tempe – Quieter, residential vibe with parks, retail centers, and more space.

Housing

Budget for rent, utilities, parking, renter’s insurance, and internet. Consider roommate 

arrangements to save. 

Founder’s Hall

Through a partnership with the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), Sonoran University students may apply to live in UAT’s on‑campus residence hall, located 7.2 miles from the Sonoran University campus. Each residence hall room houses two students, and each student signs an individual lease. For more information, please connect with an admissions advisor.

City of Tempe Affordable Housing Programs offer navigation and voucher programs for qualifying

Residents. 

What students are seeing right now (citywide averages): 

  • Studio: ~$1,325 
  • 1BR: ~$1,485 
  • 2BR: ~$1,793 
  • 3BR: ~$2,523

(RentCafe, Nov 18, 2025; averages vary by neighborhood and property.) 

Additional market snapshots: 1BR ~$1,429 and 2BR ~$1,689 (Apartments.com, Dec 2025); 1BR ~$1,299–$1,329; 2BR ~$1,575–$1,600 (Zumper medians, Nov/Dec 2025). 

Utilities & Internet Setup 

Electricity (SRP): 

  • SRP approved residential pricing changes effective November 2025. For an average household using ~1,117 kWh/month, the change was ~+$5.61/month (~3.5% on the bill). SRP also announced a tiered monthly service charge by dwelling type and froze enrollment in several legacy plans, introducing new TOU options. 

Water/Wastewater/Stormwater (City of Tempe): 

  • Tempe publishes current fixed charges and volumetric rates (e.g., single‑family tiered water pricing; wastewater based on 80% of winter average usage with a cap; stormwater fee is $3/month). The City’s Cost of Service Report (2025) estimates annual water and wastewater for a typical household at ~$1,038 (consumption assumptions apply).

Internet (typical options & price points): 

  • Cox: ~$55/month for 300 Mbps; $80 for 500 Mbps; $95–$115 for 1–2 Gbps, with prepaid and low‑income programs (ConnectAssist, Connect2Compete) available. Offer terms vary. 
  • CenturyLink Fiber (availability varies by address): up to ~940 Mbps around $75/month, generally no contracts and no data caps. 

Valley Metro Smart Fare (bus, light rail, Tempe Streetcar): 

  • Daily cap: $4, weekly cap: $20, monthly cap: $64 — when you use the Copper card or Valley Metro app (pay‑as‑you‑go “Smart Fare”). Reduced fare available for youth/seniors/Medicare/disability with proper ID. 

From PHX to Tempe: 

  • Typical drive/rideshare times: ~10–15 minutes to core Tempe; indicative Uber estimates ~$22 (7 miles) depending on traffic.
  • Rail: PHX Sky Train → Valley Metro Rail (e.g., 44th St/Washington to Tempe stations) ~$2 and ~27–37 minutes depending on route. 

Biking: 

  • Tempe is a Gold‑level Bicycle Friendly Community with 220+ miles of bikeways, and great canal/river paths (e.g., Rio Salado, Crosscut Canal in Papago Park). The City provides bike maps, safety guidance, and active transportation resources. 

Checklist 

  • Secure housing and plan your move-in date.
  • Set up utilities andinternet.  
  • Apply for fare discounts or transit passes.
  • Map your nearest light rail, streetcar, Orbit stops, and bike routes.
  • Explore local parks, trails, and community classes.

Suggested Moving Timeline 

6–8 weeks out 

  • Compare neighborhoods and secure housing (verify lease terms, utility responsibility, parking). 
  • If eligible, apply for Valley Metro reduced fare Copper card. 
  • If you need budget internet, explore Cox assistance programs or CenturyLink availability. 

2–3 weeks out 

  • Schedule SRP electricity start; set up City of Tempe water/sewer/solid waste; confirm internet installation date. 
  • Plan airport transfer (ridehare, shuttle, or Valley Metro Rail route from PHX).

Arrival week 

  • Pick up Copper card or load the app; review Tempe bike resources and campus routes. 
  • Save nearby medical contacts (HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center) and campus safety info.