Arizona is growing, and if you’re one of the many people looking to call the Grand Canyon State your new home, there’s a lot to love. With a famously warm climate, plenty of desert scenery, and a refreshingly affordable cost of living, an out of state move to AZ has never looked so good.
The research team at Moving APT did the heavy lifting. We went over all the need-to-know info to put together a guide to Arizona, including what you can expect from your move out there in the first place. We even threw in our recommended Arizona moving companies, too.
The Grand Canyon State is calling. If you’re ready to relocate, read on to learn more about moving to Arizona.
Why Move to Arizona?
Arizona has a lot going for it. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, these are a few of the many reasons people are making the move:
- Warm weather: Tired of shoveling snow? Come to Arizona and enjoy the sunshine. Just keep in mind summers can reach higher than 120º Fahrenheit, and northern Arizona still gets snowfall.
- Surprisingly accessible public transport: Much of Arizona is firmly car country. However, once you get into the more built-up metropolitan areas, you’ll benefit from some solid public transport options.
- Gorgeous scenery: There’s the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and more. While Arizona is widely-known for its desert landscapes, the northern end of the state is actually more mountainous, and looks a lot like Colorado.
- There’s always something to do: Concert and event organizers definitely take advantage of Arizona’s climate. You’ll be able to enjoy a ton of activities, from open-air festivals to great nightlife.
- It’s affordable. Arizona is affordable: If you’re coming from California (like many new Arizonans), the price of real estate is a welcome change. Sure, Arizona has some expensive areas, but it’s nowhere near as bad as San Francisco or New York City.
Arizona has a lot going for it, and people are starting to realize it. They’re moving there en masse, and you may want to make a break for it before prices get too Californianized. But how much will it cost to move there in the first place?
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Arizona?
A move to Arizona will cost you between $350 and $28,000, although we’ve seen some moves that break the mould. The price of a long distance move depends on how far you’re traveling, how much stuff you have to move, and how you choose to move.
Check out our table to see how much your Arizona move will cost:
| Distance (Miles) | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
| Local (<100 Miles) | $350 – $600 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 100 miles | $1,000 – $3,000+ | $3,000 – $7,000+ | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| 250 miles | $1,500 – $4,000+ | $4,000 – $9,000+ | $8,000 – $16,000+ |
| 750 miles | $2,000 – $5,000+ | $5,000 – $12,000+ | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
| 1500 miles | $2,500 – $6,000+ | $6,000 – $14,000+ | $12,000 – $24,000+ |
| 2500 miles+ | $3,000 – $7,000+ | $7,000 – $16,000+ | $14,000 – $28,000+ |
Our Top Arizona Movers
Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Native Van Lines
- Custom moves available
- No hidden fees
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Arizona?
Pros
- Weather: Sunshine lovers rejoice: The majority of Arizona is sunny nearly all year round.
- Cost of living: The cost of living here is lower than the national average. This allows residents to enjoy a much better standard of living than other parts of the country.
- Job market: Job opportunities are many here, especially in cities like Phoenix. Developing and emerging industries include tourism, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Solar energy: It just makes sense. Many Arizona residents take advantage of solar power, which means one less bill to worry about each month.
- Activities: Arizona is home to skiers, rock climbers, golfers, hikers, bikers, runners, and enthusiasts of a host of other outdoor activities.
- Youthful State: It’s widely believed that the Grand Canyon State is filled with retirees, but the demographics are changing. The average age of Arizona residents is around 33.
Cons
- Heat: Central to Southern Arizona has very hot summers. For instance, the average July temperature in Phoenix is 91º, but that’s an optimistic number.
- Dust Storms: Remember that scene in the Mummy where the dust storm tries to swallow that airplane? We think they just went to Arizona and filmed a random Tuesday.
- Schools: There are some great schools in Arizona, and there are some schools that need improvement. It all depends on your neighborhood.
- Water supply: Most of the state is a desert, so drought issues are commonplace. This challenge is predicted to get even worse.
- Traffic and pollution: Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the country, which means traffic congestion and pollution can get pretty bad.
- Walkability: Arizona is geared towards cars, and also public transport once you’re in major metropolitan areas. It’s not a walkable place - but who’d want to walk in that heat?
There are pros and cons to every move and every destination. It’s important to do your research before a cross country move to Arizona – including finding out how much it’ll cost to get there in the first place…
What's the Cost of Living in Arizona?
Arizona is well-known for its affordability, but how long will that last with all the new transplants? For now, you can still count on a better cost of living than most of the country, but as the population grows, so will the prices.
The average home price in Arizona is about $420,000 (heh). Your final price will depend on what city or neighborhood you choose, but it’s a lot cheaper than California or New York. If you’re looking to rent, one-bedroom apartments in Phoenix are floating at around $1500 per month. It’s steep, but again, it’s more affordable than those big cities on the coasts.
As for groceries, utilities, and gas, Arizona is still reasonably priced. If you’re not eating out every day, you can expect to pay around $280 per month on groceries. Utilities are around $400 a month, but keep in mind many houses have solar now. This really helps with your bills!
PS: If you’re getting a little stir-crazy and want to explore the rest of the state, it won’t break the bank. Gas costs around $3.40 per gallon.
Where are the Best Places to Live in Arizona?
Arizona offers a surprisingly diverse environment, with deserts, cities, and even mountains to choose from.
Take a look at some of the best places to live in Arizona:
- Scottsdale: Known for upscale living, Scottsdale boasts a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. With top-rated schools, high-end shopping, and plenty of golfing, it’s ideal for families and professionals alike.
- Tempe: Home to Arizona State University, Tempe offers a faster pace of life, with plenty to keep you occupied. Enjoy a rich arts and culture scene, lively nightlife, and plenty of outdoor activities around Tempe Town Lake.
- Gilbert: For a place that used to be known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World”, Gilbert has really transformed. Now it’s a family-friendly community, with a charming downtown, excellent schools, and a low crime rate.
- Chandler: A hub for Arizona’s growing tech industry, Chandler has a diverse community and a mix of suburban and urban living. The city is known for its excellent job opportunities, especially in tech.
- Sedona: If you really want natural beauty and some peace and quiet, Sedona’s the ticket. Famous for red rock scenery and its artistic community, Sedona is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and everything in between.
- Flagstaff: Located near the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff offers a cooler climate and a small-town feel. It’s also home to Northern Arizona University. Expect plenty of activities and plenty of natural beauty.
- Prescott: Blending rich history with modern living, Prescott is known for its historic downtown, a vibrant art scene, and outdoor recreation in the surrounding Prescott National Forest.
Arizona isn’t just one big desert. There’s a lot of great places to choose from, and each city and town has its own unique flavor and feel. Don’t be afraid to do some exploring: you might find your own hidden gem while you’re out there.
How’s the Job Market in Arizona?
Arizona has a growing job market, with established industries and new arrivals alike. Here’s a quick look at the Arizona job situation:
- Technology and Innovation: Cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale are emerging as significant tech hubs. Expect opportunities in fields such as aerospace, defense, and electronics.
- Healthcare: With a growing population and more older folks heading to Arizona for the warmer climate and more relaxed pace of life, there’s also an increasing demand for healthcare services.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Arizona’s stunning landscapes and year-round sunny weather drive a strong tourism industry. There are numerous opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Education and Research: Arizona has several higher ed establishments, including Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. These universities are pretty big, so there’s plenty of opportunities in education, research, and development.
- Retail and Services: The growing population also supports a robust retail sector. With jobs ranging from sales to management, Arizona has plenty to offer.
- Real Estate: Of course, with all the new residents, the real estate market is booming. Whether you work in sales, property management, or one of the many other real estate-adjacent fields, you’ll find work in the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona’s job market is diverse, and becoming more and more diverse every day. It’s a great state for innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all walks of life. Plus, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not on the clock.
What is Arizona Most Known For?
Arizona has plenty to see and plenty to do. No matter where you end up living, you won’t be far from something worthwhile.
- Grand Canyon: If you haven’t seen this one before, you should visit at least once – even if you’re not moving to Arizona. The Grand Canyon really needs to be seen to be believed. Majestic views, hiking, and some of the most striking landscapes in the US.
- Sedona’s Red Rocks: Famous stunning red sandstone formations, Sedona’s landscapes are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. You’ll find a perfectly instagrammable spot right off the bat.
- Monument Valley: You’ll know it when you see it. A longstanding symbol of the American West, Monument Valley’s dramatic rock formations have been featured in numerous films – obviously westerns, but also other classics like Thelma and Louise.
- Phoenix’s Dynamic Nightlife: Phoenix is a big city, so it makes sense that there’s plenty of nightlife. You’ll find bars, clubs, and trendy restaurants, all catering to a diverse crowd of clientele.
- Tucson’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Known for historic missions and a vibrant arts scene, Tucson blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. If you’re a history buff, Tucson won’t disappoint.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: This is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden all wrapped up in one convenient package. It’s located near Tucson, so add it to your list before you head out there.
- Golf Courses: While we wouldn’t advise golfing in 120º heat, the golf courses throughout Arizona are famously top-tier. Just wait for summer to pass before you grab your clubs.
Arizona has a little something for everyone, from thriving nightlife to the great outdoors. Plus, if you’re looking for some quality schooling, there’s plenty of higher ed options…
What are the Best Schools & Universities in Arizona?
Whether you’re looking for higher education or you just want to make sure your kids are getting the proper schooling they deserve, Arizona has you covered:
- Arizona State University (ASU): Known for research programs, innovation, and plenty of partying, ASU is a major presence in the Phoenix area. The school also has a broad range of majors, from business and communication to industrial design. Go Sun Devils!
- University of Arizona (UofA): Located in Tucson, UofA is well-known for its programs in astronomy, medicine, and engineering. They have a healthy rivalry with ASU, so make sure you don’t get the schools mixed up.
- Northern Arizona University (NAU): Situated in Flagstaff, NAU has strong programs in education, environmental science, and forestry. Keep in mind, Northern Arizona is very different than the rest of the state, and it even snows there. Pack a jacket.
- Scottsdale Unified School District: If you’re looking for quality education for your kids, Scottsdale is a great choice. While other spots in Arizona are playing catch-up to meet the national average, Scottsdale is doing fine.
- Chandler Unified School District: Much like Scottsdale, Chandler is consistently highly-rated for excellent educational programs and facilities. Since Chandler is also known for big tech, your kids may even get some STEM experience.
- Basis Charter Schools: Basis Charter Schools is a network of charter schools throughout Arizona. These schools are nationally recognized for their rigorous curriculum and academic excellence.
Whether you’re moving your kids for quality K-12 or you just want a school with a great party scene, Arizona has plenty of options. Take your time to scope out the campuses, and you’ll see what the rest of the state is like too.
Ready to Move to Arizona? Let’s Get Started!
Arizona is growing quickly, and if you’re ready to join the ranks of new arrivals, Moving APT can help. We’re all about making sure your Arizona relocation goes as smoothly as possible, and we can help you get started with just a few clicks.
If you’re ready to move to the Grand Canyon State, check out our moving cost calculator to start planning your budget. Don’t forget our downloadable moving checklist, either!
PS: Like what you read? Keep up with Moving APT for more tips, tricks, and insider info to make your moving day even easier.
