($1,300) Moving From Michigan to Arizona

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to Arizona ranges from $1,243 to $7,385 and takes five-sixteen days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Family owned
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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Michigan to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Arizona to Michigan guide.

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The best Michigan to Arizona movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Michigan to Arizona is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Michigan to Arizona:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Michigan movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
1200 E Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI, 48906
(336) 810-1801
Handle With Care Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
(734) 677-2000

Visit our Best Movers in Michigan page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Arizona?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Arizona for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,300 - $5,335 $1,222 - $2,878 $1,126 - $2,214
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,376 - $7,385 $2,094 - $4,470 $1,243 - $2,714
4+ bedrooms $6,544 - $12,082 $2,724 - $5,563 $1,506 - $3,388

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,929 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to AZ

There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan to Arizona will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Michigan to Arizona?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Arizona will cost between $1,300 and $5,335. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to AZ will range from $3,376 to $7,385, and a large move from Michigan to Arizona will cost from $6,544 to $12,082.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Michigan to Arizona?

Moving containers from Michigan to Arizona will cost you $1,222 to $2,878 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,094 to $4,470. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,724 to $5,563. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.

How much is a moving truck from Michigan to Arizona?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,126 to $2,214. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,243 to $2,714, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to Arizona costs from $1,506 to $3,388.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Michigan to Arizona a good idea?

If you’re moving to Arizona from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Michigan vs. Arizona

Michigan Arizona
Average rent cost $892 $1,097
Average home cost $232,380 $422,243
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 92 100
Unemployment rate 4.1% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 8.4%
State Income Tax 4.25% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 23% more expensive in Arizona than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 82% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 6% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
  • Cost of living is 9% lower in Arizona than in Michigan.
  • Arizona has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 2%.
  • Sales taxes are 40% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
  • Income taxes are 41% lower in Arizona than in Michigan.

How does life in Arizona differ from Michigan?

Arizona Michigan
Population 7,359,197 10,034,113
Political leaning Democrat 49-49 Democratic 59-48
Summer high 99ºF 81ºF
Winter low 34ºF 14ºF
Annual rain 11" 34"
Annual snow 6" 64"
Crime index 29.36 18.76
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 27% lower than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Michigan voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about eleven inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus thirty-four inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Arizona, it snows about six inches annually versus sixty-four inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Arizona has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 29.36 vs 18.76.

Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Arizona

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan versus Arizona side by side.

Pros of living in Michigan Pros of living in Arizona
Scenic beauty Ample economic opportunity
Good higher education Pleasant weather
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant recreational opportunities
Low cost of living Cultural diversity
Beautiful lakes No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Arizona

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Arizona.

Cons of living in Michigan Cons of living in Arizona
Cold snowy winters Extreme weather
Spotty economic opportunity Barren desert land
Poor transportation infrastructure Health hazards
Expensive education Limited public transportation
Thick accents No winter

What to know before your move to Arizona

  • Weather: Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Arizona

While you’re in Arizona, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Grand Canyon
  • Sedona
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Hoover Dam
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Havasu Falls
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Tumacácori National Historical Park
  • London Bridge
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Heard Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Arizona?

The cheapest way to move from Michigan to Arizona is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Arizona?

The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Arizona?

It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 19% less and home prices 45% lower than in Arizona. However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Michigan residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arizona?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Arizona you live For example, larger cities like Anthem and Apache Junction will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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