Things to know before moving from Virginia to Tucson, AZ

Cost of living: Virginia vs Tucson, AZ

Virginia Tucson
Average rent cost $1,440 $1,295
Average home value $392,682 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $87,249 $61,749
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 6% 3%
  • Rent is about 10% less expensive in Tucson than in Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 17% lower in Tucson than in Virginia.
  • The average income is about 29% lower in Tucson than in Virginia.
  • Tucson has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 155%.
  • Income taxes are 57% lower in Tucson than in Virginia.

How life is different in Tucson from Virginia

Tucson Virginia
Population 542,629 8,715,698
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Democratic 52-48
Summer high 101ºF 87ºF
Winter low 38ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 12" 44"
Annual snow 0" 14"
Crime index 54.43 19.3
  • The population of Tucson is approximately 94% lower than the population of Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Tucson voted Republican and Virginia voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Tucson is 101ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Tucson reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Tucson vs 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
  • In Tucson, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
  • Tucson has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 54.43 vs 19.3.

Things to do in Tucson

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Tucson.

Museums in Tucsontoggle

  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Pima Air and Space Museum
  • DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
  • The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
  • Franklin Auto Museum
  • Children's Museum Tucson
  • Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
  • International Wildlife Museum

Parks in Tucsontoggle

  • Agua Caliente Park
  • Himmel Park
  • Rillito River Park
  • Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Rio Vista Natural Resources Park

Sports Teams in Tucsontoggle

  • University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
  • Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
  • Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
  • FC Tucson (USL)
  • Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)
  • Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL)

Universities in Tucsontoggle

  • University of Arizona
  • Pima Community College
  • Arizona State University's College of Public Service & Community Solutions
  • Tucson College
  • Brookline College
  • University of Phoenix
  • Prescott College
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Arizona School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
  • The Art Center Design College
  • Wayland Baptist University

Other considerations when moving to Tucson, AZ

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Compare the pros and cons of Virginia vs. Tucson, AZ

Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Tucson, AZ:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Virginia vs Tucson side-by-side.

Pros of living in Virginia Pros of living in Tucson, AZ
Strong economy Beautiful nature
Beautiful scenery Renowned cuisine
Abundance of outdoor activities Low cost of living
Enjoyable four season weather Mild winter
Strong military presence Bountiful outdoor activities

Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Tucson, AZ:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for Tucson.

Cons of living in Virginia Cons of living in Tucson, AZ
High cost of living High crime rate
Unpredictable weather Low economic opportunity
Bad traffic congestion Hot summers
Lack of public transportation Deadly wildlife
Air noise pollution Widespread drug problems

FAQ

How long does a move from Virginia to Tucson take?

The time frame for a move from Virginia to Tucson, AZ, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Virginia, the longer the drive time to Tucson will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Tucson from Virginia can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Virginia to Tucson?

Because of the 2135-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Virginia to Tucson as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson, AZ?

With the summer highs of 101ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Tucson from Virginia during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Tucson during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources