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Things to know before moving from California to Tucson, AZ
Cost of living: California vs Tucson, AZ
| California | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,295 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $61,749 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 7% |
| State income tax | 13% | 3% |
Tucson sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 30% less expensive in Tucson than in California.
- Home prices are about 58% lower in Tucson than in California.
- The average income is about 33% lower in Tucson than in California.
- Tucson has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 37%.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Tucson than in California.
How life is different in Tucson from California
| Tucson | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 101ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 28.43 |
Tucson sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tucson is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Tucson voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Tucson is 101ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Tucson reaches the temperature of 38ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Tucson vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Tucson, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Tucson has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 54.43 vs 28.43.
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 Tucson
Parks in Tucson
Sports Teams in Tucson
Universities in Tucson
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 California vs. Tucson, AZ
Comparing the pros of California 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 California vs Tucson side-by-side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Beautiful nature |
| Pleasant weather | Renowned cuisine |
| Abundant recreational options | Low cost of living |
| High quality of life | Mild winter |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Bountiful outdoor activities |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Tucson, AZ:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Tucson.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High crime rate |
| Heavy tax burdens | Low economic opportunity |
| Natural disasters | Hot summers |
| Terrible traffic | Deadly wildlife |
| Strange laws | Widespread drug problems |
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Tucson take?
The time frame for a move from California 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 California, 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 California 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 California to Tucson?
Because of the 700-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California 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 California 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.
