Planning your move to the Grand Canyon State? You’re not alone! More than 280,000 people are moving to Arizona annually, making it one of the fastest-growing states.
But it’s not just people flocking to the Grand Canyon State—businesses are moving in too. Major employers like Intel and TSMC have expanded their operations here. With a cost of living around $3983/mo and over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to see why people are calling Arizona home.
6 Reasons to Move to Arizona
Arizona is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are six reasons to move to the Grand Canyon State:
| # | Reasons to Move to AZ | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | Arizona's living costs are 6% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Education | Arizona serves over 1.1 million students across 261 school districts. |
| 3. | Employment | Arizona is projected to add 102,656 new jobs by 2025 in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, etc. |
| 4. | Business Friendly | The Grand Canyon State ranks 6th nationwide for stating a business. |
| 5. | Healthcare | Arizona has over 145 hospitals, including the acclaimed Mayo Clinic. |
| 6. | Outdoor Activities | Arizona offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and boating. |
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Arizona is 6% higher than the national average. This is still lower than states like Massachusetts and New York, which exceed the national average by 46% and 26%, respectively.
Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in Arizona:
| Metro | Home Price | Home Renting/mo | Public Transport/mo | Utilities/mo | Food/mo |
| Phoenix | $450,000 | $1,344 | $154 | $250 | $573 |
| Mesa | $459,000 | $1,325 | $87.6 | $227 | $679 |
| Scottsdale | $825,000 | $1,800 | $71.8 | $247 | $598 |
| Glendale | $405,000 | $1,241 | $75.4 | $273 | $578 |
2. Excellent Education System
Arizona ranks #1 in the U.S. for education choice. The state serves over 1.1 million students across 261 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Top-Ranked Public Schools: Arizona has more than 2,000 public schools. Many of its school districts, such as Scottsdale Unified and Chandler Unified, have received national recognition for their educational programs.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: Arizona has more than 700 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Schools like BASIS Scottsdale have been ranked #7 in the nation for Charter Schools.
- Private Schools: Arizona has over 522 private schools which are known for their academic excellence and personalized attention. The average tuition for private K-12 education in AZ is $10,244. Notable private schools include Phoenix Country Day School and Brophy College Preparatory.
- Affordable Higher Education: Universities in Arizona are recognized nationwide for their research output and academic excellence. The state is home to 3 major public universities including Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. The average in-state tuition for ASU is 13,277.
3. Employment Opportunities
By 2025, Arizona is expected to create 102,656 new jobs, with opportunities available in several key industries:
- Manufacturing: Arizona is becoming a manufacturing hub. Major employers like Intel and Raytheon Technologies are driving job growth in the sector. It is projected to add 4,985 jobs by 2025. There are many positions available in engineering, production, and supply chain management.
- Construction: The construction industry is experiencing significant growth in Arizona. Nearly 14,288 new jobs are expected by 2025. This demand is driven by residential and commercial projects. Top employers in the field include Sundt Construction and Kitchell.
- Healthcare: Healthcare roles, particularly in nursing, medical technology, and healthcare administration, are in high demand. The sector is expected to add 33,885 new jobs. Major healthcare providers like Banner Health and Dignity Health are among the largest employers in the state.
- Hospitality: As a popular destination for tourists and business travelers, Arizona’s hospitality industry is projected to add around 14,538 jobs by 2025. Key employers such as Marriott International and Hilton provide opportunities in hotel management, event coordination, and customer service.
4. Business-Friendly Environment
Arizona is ranked as the 6th best state for starting a business. One of the key reasons is the state’s favorable tax environment. The corporate income tax rate is just 4.9%, making it attractive for companies. Additionally, the personal income tax rates range from 2.5% to 4.5%, which offers small business owners extra relief.
The state also provides several incentives and support programs to help businesses grow. For example, the Quality Jobs Tax Credit offers up to $9,000 for each new job created, and there are also Research and Development Tax Credits available.
5. Strong Healthcare System
Arizona has a robust healthcare system. The state is home to more than 145 hospitals and offers specialized treatments in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and maternal health.
Notable facilities like the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix are recognized for their treatments and patient care. Additionally, Banner University Medical Center in Tucson provides excellent services in trauma care and advanced surgical procedures.
6. Outdoor Activities
Arizona is a great place for outdoor lovers. You can hike the trails at the Grand Canyon for stunning views, or enjoy rock climbing and mountain biking in Sedona’s red rocks.
The many lakes, like Lake Powell and Saguaro Lake, offer fun activities like boating and fishing. You can also kayak on the Colorado River for a peaceful day on the water. With its deserts and forests, Arizona has plenty of ways to enjoy nature.
Cost of Moving to Arizona 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to AZ:
1. Moving Costs ~ $288 and $2,785
Moving to Arizona involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Arizona movers typically cost $85 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLScompany to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Arizona.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Arizona.
- When moving to AZ, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in Arizona is around $408/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Arizona. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in AZ starts at $2.80 per $100 of vehicle assessed value. A standard title transfer costs around $60.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Grand Canyon State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Sedona, the average rent ranges between $1,000 to $2,000.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Arizona in your budget. Homes in metropolitan areas like Scottsdale have a median home price of $825K. On the other hand in suburban areas like Tucson, it is $322K.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Arizona💡
Before you pack your bags for the Grand Canyon State, it’s essential to be aware of a few key factors that can greatly impact your experience. Here are three important things to know before moving to AZ:
1. Weather Conditions
Arizona is known for its scorching desert climate, particularly in cities like Phoenix and Tucson. The state experiences extremely high temperatures, especially during the summer months, when daily highs often exceed 100°F.
Due to the extreme heat in the summer, energy bills can skyrocket as residents rely heavily on air conditioning. The average monthly utility bill in Arizona is around $408, which is 4.25% higher than the national median.
2. Wildlife and Natural Hazards
Arizona is home to a range of wildlife and encounters with snakes (like rattlesnakes), scorpions, and spiders are not uncommon. Additionally, Arizona experiences about 100 dust storms (haboobs) per year, especially in the Phoenix area.
The state is also prone to flash flooding during the monsoon season (June to September). To protect your property from any damages in these conditions, consider purchasing hazard insurance.
3. Car Dependency
Arizona, particularly outside of its major urban centers, is heavily car-dependent. In cities like Phoenix, despite having a bus and light rail system, only about 1.8% of residents use public transit.
Many popular neighborhoods in Phoenix and Glendale have a low walk score of around 23. This means owning a car is essential for getting around, whether you’re commuting, grocery shopping, or running daily errands in AZ.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Arizona ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition:
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you relocate to AZ. Get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location before visiting the locality.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Arizona neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
Is Moving to Arizona a Good Idea?
Moving to Arizona offers a range of benefits like affordable cost of living, easy access to healthcare, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, great education, or outdoor fun, the Grand Canyon State has something for everyone.
However, you should be ready for challenges like weather and car dependency. With proper planning, moving to Arizona can offer a vibrant and rewarding lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much would it cost to move to Arizona?
The average moving cost in AZ can go up to $2,785. However, this depends on the quantity you're moving and how far you're moving.
Why are so many Californians moving to Arizona?
Many people are moving to Arizona from California primarily due to lower cost of living and more affordable housing options. Arizona also offers a favorable business climate and a growing job market, for those seeking new opportunities.
What to know before moving to Arizona?
Before moving to Arizona, it's important to know that the state relies heavily on cars for transportation. Arizona also has extremely hot summers and heavy rainfall, so be prepared for that.
What are some of the good places to live in Arizona?
Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Tempe are some of best cities in Arizona to live. Scottsdale is known for its modern city life, historic charm, and beach access. Tempe is often considered an excellent place to live, work, vacation, and raise a family.
What are some cheapest place in Arizona to live?
Douglas and San Luis are some of the cheapest places to live in Arizona. The median home price in Douglas and San Luis is $160K and $239K, respectively. Living costs are 9% and 17% below the national average.
