Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Arizona

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from San Francisco, CA, to Arizona

If youโ€™re moving to Arizona from San Francisco, CA, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: San Francisco vs. Arizona

San Francisco, CA Arizona
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,308
Average home cost $1,241,003 $428,711
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $72,581
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.6%
State income tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 105% less expensive in Arizona than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices are about 105.3% lower in Arizona than in San Francisco.
  • The average income is about 69.8% lower in Arizona than in San Francisco.
  • Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 33.3%.
  • Income taxes are 81.20% lower in Arizona than in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco, CA, from Arizona

San Francisco, CA Arizona
Population 808,988 7,431,344
Political leaning Democratic 85-13 Democrat 56-44
Summer high 67ยบF 99ยบF
Winter low 46ยบF 34ยบF
Annual rain 25" 12"
Annual snow 0" 6"
Crime index 61.41 24.89
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 819% greater than the population of San Francisco.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and San Francisco voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ยบ F and in San Francisco, itโ€™s 67ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ยบ F and San Francisco gets down to 46ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona vs. 25 inches of rainfall in San Francisco.
  • In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in San Francisco.

Other considerations when moving to Arizona from San Francisco

  • 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: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”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 youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Arizona

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Arizona.

Museums in Arizonatoggle

  • 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
  • Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
  • Mesa Arts Center

Parks in Arizonatoggle

  • 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
  • Gilbert Regional Park in Gilbert
  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale
  • Papago Park in Phoenix
  • South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix

Sports Teams in Arizonatoggle

  • Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
  • Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
  • Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
  • Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
  • Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
  • Phoenix Rising FC (USL)
  • FC Tucson (USL)
  • FC Arizona (NPSL)
  • Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
  • Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
  • Arizona Sidewinders (WUL)

Universities in Arizonatoggle

  • 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

FAQs

How long does a move from San Francisco to Arizona take?

The time it takes to move from San Francisco, CA, to Arizona depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from San Francisco to Arizona?

Need to get your car from San Francisco to Arizona? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best San Francisco to Arizona car shippers.

Why are people moving from San Francisco to Arizona?

Many people are moving to Arizona because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Francisco?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.

Helpful moving resources