Moving to Arizona: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Arizona? You’re in good company. The Grand Canyon State draws people in with its energetic cities like Phoenix and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Arizona has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Arizona so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Arizona information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to AZ
Top car shippers to AZ
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Arizona

While relocating to Arizona offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Grand Canyon State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Arizona

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Pleasant weather
✓Abundant recreational opportunities
✓Cultural diversity
✓No traffic

Cons of living in Arizona

✖Extreme weather
✖Barren desert land
✖Health hazards
✖Limited public transportation
✖No winter

Things to do in Arizona

No matter why you’re relocating to Arizona—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Arizona is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

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 its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Arizona shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next 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 more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at 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

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Arizona is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Arizona’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Arizona
Summer high	99ºF
Winter low	34ºF
Annual rain	12″
Annual snow	6″

Income and cost of living in Arizona

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Arizona really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Arizona brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

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 top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Arizona deserves a spot at the top of your list.

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 have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 83 right here in Arizona—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Grand Canyon State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

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 $136 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	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

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

In Arizona, the required minimum liability insurance is: – $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident – $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident – $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

Arizona drivers license requirements

If you recently moved to Arizona from another state, you need to go to an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office to get an Arizona driver’s license. Once you move within Arizona, you have 10 days to update your address on your driver’s license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Arizona?

Moving to Arizona is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Arizona is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Arizona?

On the cost of living index, Arizona has a score of 107. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Arizona?

The average income in AZ is $72,581, and the an unemployment rate is 3.6. Home prices are $428,711, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,308.

What is the downside of living in Arizona?

Like any place, Arizona has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Grand Canyon State include:

Extreme weather
Barren desert land
Health hazards
Limited public transportation
No winter

Arizona Moving Resources

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.