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Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to AZ
There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to Arizona 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 Alabama 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 AL to AZ
If you’re moving to Arizona from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Arizona
| Alabama | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $72,581 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 3.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.22% | 8.4% |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 41% more expensive in Arizona than in Alabama.
- Home prices are about 88% higher in Arizona than in Alabama.
- The average income is about 22% higher in Arizona than in Alabama.
- Cost of living is 22% lower in Arizona than in Alabama.
- Arizona has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 24%.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Arizona than in Alabama.
- Income taxes are 50% lower in Arizona than in Alabama.
How life is different in Arizona vs. Alabama
| Arizona | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 1" |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 21.48 |
- The population of Arizona is approximately 45% greater than the population of Alabama.
- In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Alabama voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
- You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
- In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
- Arizona has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 21.48.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Arizona
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Arizona compared to Alabama.
| Pros of living in Alabama | Pros of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
| Tasty southern comfort food | Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Top-notch college football | Cultural diversity |
| Rich history | No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Arizona
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 Alabama for Arizona.
| Cons of living in Alabama | Cons of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Poor quality of life | Extreme weather |
| Severe weather | Barren desert land |
| Restrictive alcohol laws | Health hazards |
| Poor healthcare | Limited public transportation |
| Cockroaches | No winter |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Arizona move
- 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: 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. 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. 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.
Things to do in Arizona
While you’re in Arizona, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- 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
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Tumacácori National Historical Park
- London Bridge
- Horseshoe Bend
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Heard Museum
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Arizona?
Hiring a full-service Alabama 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 Alabama to Arizona?
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 Alabama to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Arizona?
The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Arizona?
It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Alabama, with average rent about 29% less and home prices 47% lower than in Arizona. However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arizona?
You should make approximately $63,151 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $2,380 per month for an individual and $5,635 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Arizona you live For example, larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
