Moving to Arizona: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Arizona, you’re not alone. The Grand Canyon State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Phoenix and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Arizona, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Arizona to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Arizona
Like any big move, relocating to Arizona comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Grand Canyon State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in AZ
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Pleasant weather
- ✓Abundant recreational opportunities
- ✓Cultural diversity
- ✓No traffic
Cons of living in AZ
- ✖Extreme weather
- ✖Barren desert land
- ✖Health hazards
- ✖Limited public transportation
- ✖No winter
Things to do in Arizona
Whether you’re moving to Arizona work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Arizona has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Arizona
- 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
Museums in Arizona
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- O.K. Corral
- Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Mesa Arts Center
Parks in Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Dead Horse Ranch
- Slide Rock State Park
- Kartchner Caverns State Park
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Fun facts about Arizona
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Arizona, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- The Arizona trout is found only in the Arizona.
- The saguaro cactus blossom is the official state flower. The white flower blooms on the tips of the saguaro cactus during May and June. The saguaro is the largest American cactus.
- Arizona leads the nation in copper production.
- Petrified wood is the official state fossil. Most petrified wood comes from the Petrified Forest in northeastern Arizona.
- The bola tie is the official state neckwear.
- The Palo verde is the official state tree. Its name means green stick and it blooms a brilliant yellow-gold in April or May.
- The cactus wren is the official state bird. It grows seven to eight inches long and likes to build nests in the protection of thorny desert plants like the arms of the giant saguaro cactus.
- Turquoise is the official state gemstone. The blue-green stone has a somewhat waxy surface and can be found throughout the state.
- Arizona is home of the Grand Canyon National Park.
- The ringtail is the official state mammal. The ringtail is a small fox-like animal about two and one-half feet long and is a shy, nocturnal creature.
Arizona population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Arizona, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Grand Canyon State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Arizona, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 |
| Female | 50.1% |
| Male | 49.9% |
| College graduation rate | 32.43% |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 |
| Crime index | 24.89 |
Arizona weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Arizona is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Arizona aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 99ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ |
Income and cost of living in Arizona
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Arizona.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Arizona and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
- Professional and business services ($22 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
- Retail trade ($15.3 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
- Construction ($7.8 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion)
- Utilities ($6.5 billion)
| Metric | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index* | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 2.5% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Arizona
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Arizona has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Arizona:
- Arizona State Universit
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
- Arizona Christian University
- Art Center College of Design
- Art Institute of Tucson
- Art Institute of Phoenix
- A.T. Still University
- Brookline College
- Brown Mackie College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Grand Canyon University
- International Baptist College
- Midwestern University
- Northcentral University
- Ottawa University
- Park University
- University of Phoenix
- Penn Foster College
- Prescott College
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Thunderbird School of Global Management
- University of Advancing Technology
- Western Governors University
- Western International University
- Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Arizona
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Grand Canyon State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to AZ
- Arkansas to AZ
- California to AZ
- Colorado to AZ
- Connecticut to AZ
- Delaware to AZ
- Florida to AZ
- Georgia to AZ
- Iowa to AZ
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- Indiana to AZ
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- Kentucky to AZ
- Louisiana to AZ
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- Maryland to AZ
- Maine to AZ
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- North Dakota to AZ
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- New Hampshire to AZ
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- Vermont to AZ
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- Wyoming to AZ
Cost of moving to Arizona
Before you take the leap to Arizona, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Arizona
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Arizona.
Arizona car insurance requirements
Arizona drivers license requirements
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