Factors affecting the cost of moving from AZ to CA
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.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in Arizona is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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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% |
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Rent is about 42% more expensive in California than in Arizona.
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Home prices are about 80% higher in California than in Arizona.
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The average income is about 27% higher in California than in Arizona.
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Cost of living is 25% lower in California than in Arizona.
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California has a higher unemployment rate than Arizona by about 50%.
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Sales taxes are 3% higher in California than in Arizona.
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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 |
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The population of California is approximately 425% greater than the population of Arizona.
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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.
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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 move
- 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.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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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.
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State regulator:
You can verify a California moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
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?
Do movers transport your car from Arizona to California?
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?
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?
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?
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