Factors affecting the cost of moving from CO to AZtoggle

There are many factors that influence Colorado moving costs. The cost to move from Colorado 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 Colorado 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 CO to AZ

If you’re moving to Arizona from Colorado, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Colorado vs. Arizona

Colorado Arizona
Average rent cost $1,594 $1,308
Average home cost $541,072 $428,711
Average income (per capita) $87,598 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 91 107
Unemployment rate 4.1% 3.6%
Average Sales Tax 7.81% 8.4%
State Income Tax 5.49% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 18% less expensive in Arizona than in Colorado.
  • Home prices are about 21% lower in Arizona than in Colorado.
  • The average income is about 17% lower in Arizona than in Colorado.
  • Cost of living is 18% lower in Arizona than in Colorado.
  • Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than Colorado by about 12%.
  • Sales taxes are 8% higher in Arizona than in Colorado.
  • Income taxes are 54% lower in Arizona than in Colorado.

How life is different in Arizona vs. Colorado

Arizona Colorado
Population 7,431,344 5,877,610
Political leaning Democrat 56-44 Democrat 54-46
Summer high 99ºF 86ºF
Winter low 34ºF 13ºF
Annual rain 12" 16"
Annual snow 6" 63"
Crime index 24.89 36.4
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 26% greater than the population of Colorado.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Colorado voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Colorado, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Colorado gets down to 13ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 16 inches of rainfall in Colorado.
  • In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 63 inches of snow in Colorado.
  • Arizona has a lower crime rate than Colorado with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 36.4.

Comparing the pros of Colorado 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 Colorado.

Pros of living in Colorado Pros of living in Arizona
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Awesome snow recreational activities Pleasant weather
Quality healthcare Abundant recreational opportunities
High quality of life Cultural diversity
Beautiful outdoors No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Colorado 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 Colorado for Arizona.

Cons of living in Colorado Cons of living in Arizona
Extreme weather Extreme weather
High cost of living Barren desert land
Altitude sickness Health hazards
Overcrowding Limited public transportation
Bad traffic No winter

Other things to consider for your Colorado to Arizona movetoggle

  • 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 Arizonatoggle

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 Colorado to Arizona?toggle

Hiring a full-service Colorado 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 Colorado to Arizona?toggle

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 Colorado to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Colorado to Arizona?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Colorado to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Arizona?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Colorado than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Arizona, with average rent about 18% less and home prices 20.8% lower than in Colorado. Taxes are also lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Colorado residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arizona?toggle

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.

Helpful moving resources