Factors affecting the cost of moving from AZ to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Arizona moving costs. The cost to move from Arizona to California 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 Arizona 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.

What to know before moving from AZ to CA

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

Cost of living: Arizona vs. California

Arizona California
Average rent cost $1,308 $1,856
Average home cost $428,711 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $72,581 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 107 134
Unemployment rate 3.6% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 8.4% 8.68%
State Income Tax 2.5% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 42% more expensive in California than in Arizona.
  • Home prices are about 80% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • The average income is about 27% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • Cost of living is 25% lower in California than in Arizona.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Arizona by about 50%.
  • Sales taxes are 3% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • Income taxes are 432% higher in California than in Arizona.

How life is different in California vs. Arizona

California Arizona
Population 39,029,342 7,431,344
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democrat 56-44
Summer high 87ºF 99ºF
Winter low 59ºF 34ºF
Annual rain 22" 12"
Annual snow 7" 6"
Crime index 28.43 24.89
  • The population of California is approximately 425% greater than the population of Arizona.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Arizona voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Arizona, it’s 99ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Arizona gets down to 34ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 12 inches of rainfall in Arizona.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 6 inches of snow in Arizona.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Arizona with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 24.89.

Comparing the pros of Arizona vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Arizona.

Pros of living in Arizona Pros of living in California
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Pleasant weather
Abundant recreational opportunities Abundant recreational options
Cultural diversity High quality of life
No traffic Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Arizona vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Arizona for California.

Cons of living in Arizona Cons of living in California
Extreme weather High cost of living
Barren desert land Heavy tax burdens
Health hazards Natural disasters
Limited public transportation Terrible traffic
No winter Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Arizona to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 California. 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

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

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Arizona to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Arizona moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Arizona to California?toggle

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 Arizona to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Arizona to California?toggle

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

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Arizona than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Arizona, with average rent about 30% less and home prices 44% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 80% less than those paid by California residents.

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

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources