Expert: Judy Hedding - 7/18/2008

Question
One of my good friends was offered a wonderful job teaching around Phoenix and recently moved there. I am currently living in a dying city (Cleveland, Ohio.) Work is very sparse and companies cannot keep wages consistent with the cost of living. I'm in need of a change of scenery, and there is nothing holding me here.

I just need to know what it would be like moving to Arizona, because I've been toying with the idea for weeks. Aside from the climate change, that is. Whats the cost of living, average minimum wage.

Also, whats the best way to secure a job before I leave?
I'm currently going to school to become an esthetician/spa technician. My only problem is, I can only be licensed in one state. So I would need to take the Arizona State Boards testing... But I dont want to take the test without a position lined up, because without a job I cant move.

Answer
Hello Stacy,

Most online calculators will probably tell you that the cost of living is a bit higher in Phoenix than it is in Cleveland. It is impossible to know how that will hold true for you, based on how you live and where in the Phoenix area you'll end up. Homeowners probably do slightly better, because of lower real estate taxes. If you are an apartment dweller, you might not find rents cheaper, but you might have more amenities. Hard to tell.

The minimum wage is not an average, it is set by law. Right now it is $6.90 per hour in Arizona.
http://phoenix.about.com/od/citiestownsgovernment/qt/minimumwage.htm

Unfortunately, I can't advise you on how to secure a job before you leave.  Typically, employers here don't hire from out of state unless it is a specialized position for which qualified candidates are hard to find. If you aren't licensed here, that's probably going to make it even more difficult. You might have to find a temporary job until you are licensed by AZ and can find the right position. We certainly have many resorts with spa facilities, as well as day spas where you could apply once you have your credentials in order.

To get more information about living and working in the area, I recommend that you visit the Phoenix forum. http://phoenix.about.com/mpboards.htm
You have to join to post a question, but it is free and easy to sign up. When you ask a question, be as specific as possible—what price range, what kind of apartment, how long you are willing to commute, what part of town, etc. The more specific your question, the more likely you’ll get responses.

Judy Hedding
About.com Guide to Phoenix, AZ
http://phoenix.about.com

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