Overview
Phoenix, Arizona, and Corpus Christi, Texas, are vibrant cities that offer unique living experiences. While Phoenix is recognized for its desert climate and thriving high-tech industry, Corpus Christi boosts of its seaside location and diverse cultural representation. This comparison draws on different aspects like crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and educational facilities, among other factors. It aims to shed light on what relocating to or visiting these cities might entail.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Corpus Christi, TX : 958.3 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 411%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Corpus Christi has grown by 40,319 people (14.5%) during that time.
Phoenix has a higher overall crime rate than Corpus Christi, with property crimes such as burglary and auto theft occurring at a significant rate. However, both cities have invested in enhancing police presence and community programs to improve security. As a newcomer, it's always wise to check with local guides regarding safe and unsafe neighborhoods. For tourists, standard travel safety advice applies in both locations, such as avoiding certain areas after dark.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,582 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,070 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Corpus Christi is 304 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Phoenix than in Corpus Christi.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is reasonably affordable and slightly below the national average. However, Phoenix is generally a bit more expensive than Corpus Christi, especially concerning housing. In addition, Phoenix has relatively higher utility and transportation costs, while healthcare and grocery expenses are comparatively lower.
Income Tax
Arizona has state income tax with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%. Texas does not levy an income tax, making Corpus Christi a more tax-friendly city in this regard.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Phoenix are relatively low compared to the national average. Corpus Christi has a slightly higher property tax, which might impact the affordability of home ownership.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher city sales tax at 2.3% compared to Corpus Christi at 1.5%. However, the overall Arizona state sales tax is 5.6%, whereas Texas does not have a state sales tax.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$59,812
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$29,969
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
86.6
If you make $50,000 in Corpus Christi, you will have to make $58,430 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, offering dry, hot summers, and mild winters. Corpus Christi is located on the Texas Gulf Coast, boasting beautiful beaches and a warmer, more humid climate.
As for education, both cities have a wide variety of public, private, and charter schools. Phoenix, as a larger city, offers more options. It is also home to several higher education institutions, including Arizona State University. Corpus Christi features the esteemed Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Phoenix has a diverse economy with thriving sectors including high tech, healthcare, and finance. It has a lower unemployment rate compared to Corpus Christi, providing more job opportunities. Corpus Christi's economy relies heavily on the oil industry, with some focus on tourism and wholesale trade.
Biggest Employers
Phoenix's biggest employers are Walmart, Banner Health, and Wells Fargo, offering a diverse range of job opportunities. Corpus Christi's economy is largely driven by the likes of H-E-B, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and Corpus Christi Army Depot.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 1,470 building permits issued in Corpus Christi in 2012 (839 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Corpus Christi (Nueces County), 47.6% voted for Democrats and 51.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
2020
50.2%
47.9%
48.0%
50.8%
1.8%
1.4%
2016
44.9%
47.2%
47.7%
48.8%
7.5%
4.0%
2012
43.6%
47.6%
54.3%
51.0%
2.1%
1.4%
2008
44.0%
47.4%
54.5%
51.8%
1.5%
0.8%
2004
42.4%
42.6%
57.0%
56.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
46.7%
53.4%
51.4%
3.6%
1.9%
1996
44.5%
53.7%
47.2%
40.2%
8.2%
6.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
32.8%
4.3%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
10.6%
6.5%
28.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.3%
2.0%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.5%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.8%
1.3%
2.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.7%
1.0%
0.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.5%
0.5%
0.3%
Weather
Weather is a fundamental difference between Phoenix and Corpus Christi. Phoenix is all about dry, desert heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees in summer. However, winters are mild and enjoyable. Corpus Christi’s weather, on the other hand, is more humid due to its coastal location. It has hot summers and mild to cool winters, but also a significant hurricane risk. Both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making them appealing to sun-lovers.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
71.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
81.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
32.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
17%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
64.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
36%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
43%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
12.7 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Corpus Christi, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
2018
156
89
0.38
N/A
15.2
N/A
28.5
23.9
34.8
N/A
8.6
9.2
0.6
0.4
2017
120
70
0.41
N/A
15.9
N/A
28.6
27.3
34.9
N/A
7.6
8.7
1.4
0.4
2016
114
59
0.44
N/A
15.8
N/A
27.3
26.9
30.6
N/A
7.7
8.1
0.4
0.5
2015
102
75
0.46
N/A
17.6
N/A
27.1
25.9
26.2
N/A
7.9
9.3
0.9
0.3
2014
117
75
0.46
N/A
19.6
N/A
27.6
26.1
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.3
1.1
0.2
2013
130
80
0.43
N/A
19.9
N/A
27.9
27.3
35.3
N/A
8.4
8.6
0.9
0.2
2012
157
78
0.44
N/A
21.2
N/A
28.1
28.6
41.9
N/A
8.8
8.9
1.3
0.2
2011
203
80
0.47
N/A
20.0
N/A
28.3
29.3
41.3
N/A
9.6
10.0
0.9
0.3
2010
100
85
0.48
N/A
19.9
N/A
26.9
27.9
31.2
N/A
8.3
9.7
0.9
0.5
2009
108
72
0.52
N/A
20.1
N/A
25.6
26.3
38.2
N/A
N/A
9.9
1.8
0.4
2008
106
82
0.48
N/A
21.4
N/A
26.6
26.4
39.6
N/A
N/A
10.0
2.4
0.6
2007
129
85
0.54
N/A
23.5
N/A
25.2
25.3
47.6
N/A
N/A
10.3
2.4
0.5
2006
131
88
0.66
N/A
25.3
N/A
24.4
27.0
50.8
N/A
N/A
10.3
2.3
0.7
2005
109
81
0.74
N/A
25.9
N/A
22.2
24.8
44.6
N/A
N/A
10.3
2.5
1.1
2004
98
74
0.77
N/A
25.5
N/A
23.4
26.8
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.3
2003
101
88
0.90
N/A
26.8
N/A
23.7
27.0
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.0
2002
111
88
0.98
N/A
28.7
N/A
23.6
27.6
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.9
2001
106
85
1.00
N/A
28.6
N/A
22.3
26.5
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.2
2000
117
78
1.14
N/A
29.9
N/A
24.6
25.8
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
68.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
52%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
24%
Transportation
Phoenix boasts an extensive public transit system, including buses and railways, making commute easier within the city. Corpus Christi's public transport, accessed mainly via buses, is reliable but with a smaller reach due to the city's size.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
1
298
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Bicycle
0.4%
0.2%
Bus
1.8%
1.1%
Carpooled
12.2%
9.9%
Car alone
81.8%
86.5%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Average
28.6 min
21.4 min
Other means
26.4 min
20.1 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
37.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Phoenix is more competitive than that of Corpus Christi, with a higher median home price. Corpus Christi offers a more affordable housing market, but prices have been on the rise with the increase in the city's popularity.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix is famous for its upscale neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and Arcadia. Corpus Christi offers a unique blend of urban and beachfront neighborhoods, including Mustang Island and Flour Bluff.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Houses
644,625
137,431
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.7
Median year apartment built
1987
1984
Median year house/condo built
1983
1981
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
117,366 (85.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
67,874 (57.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
49,492 (42.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,470
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,102
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$329,579
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$171,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$212,792
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$219,111
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$270,664
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$270,817
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$33,205
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$66,701
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$168,101
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$210,115
Median house age
36
40
Renting percentage
42.4%
40.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
888.7
House value disparities
30.8%
37.5%
Household income disparities
43.9%
45%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$84,755
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$55,283
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
190 (0.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
1,163 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
37,907 (99.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
1,292 (3.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
2.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
One, detached
60.3%
65.0%
One, attached
4.9%
1.6%
Two
1.4%
3.0%
3 or 4
4.4%
6.5%
5 to 9
5.0%
8.7%
10 to 19
5.3%
5.7%
20 to 49
4.1%
2.3%
50 or more
11.3%
4.1%
Mobile homes
3.1%
2.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
10,817
State government workers
30,385
6,884
Unpaid family workers
1,048
230
Industries and Occupations
In Phoenix, the most prominent industries include Technology, Health Care, and Finance. Corpus Christi is best known for Oil, Tourism, and Port and Maritime Trade. In both cities, a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in sales, office, and administrative support roles.
Both cities have excellent health care facilities. Phoenix has nationally recognized hospitals such as Mayo Clinic and Banner Health. Corpus Christi offers a reliable network of hospitals and clinics, including Corpus Christi Medical Center and Doctors Regional.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure-wise, Phoenix is larger and more developed, with many modern amenities and services. Corpus Christi, being smaller, does not offer the same level of infrastructure but it does boast a unique combination of urban amenities and a relaxed coastal feel. Both cities have a good road network, well-planned residential areas, and public utilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
Hospitals
48
34
TV stations
22
21
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
263
83
Bank institutions located here
41
17
Main business address for public companies
41
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Corpus Christi
1999
5,846
1,534
2000
4,847
814
2001
3,823
738
2002
3,472
631
2003
5,750
737
2004
9,848
1,013
2005
15,879
1,275
2006
18,392
1,217
2007
9,797
942
2008
3,130
546
2009
1,614
413
Culture and Food
Phoenix provides a mix of old west charm and cosmopolitan culture, with a bustling art and music scene. The food scene in Phoenix offers southwestern cuisine, with a focus on Mexican dishes. Corpus Christi’s food culture revolves around Tex-Mex and seafood, it also has a rich blend of heritage influences leading to vibrant cultural festivities and art scene.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to several top-level professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). Corpus Christi hosts minor league team, the Corpus Christi Hooks (AA - Astros affiliate).
Phoenix, AZ
Corpus Christi, TX
