Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to AZtoggle

There are many factors that influence Massachusetts moving costs. The cost to move from Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 MA to AZ

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

Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. Arizona

Massachusetts Arizona
Average rent cost $1,588 $1,308
Average home cost $623,131 $428,711
Average income (per capita) $96,505 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 100 107
Unemployment rate 3.9% 3.6%
Average Sales Tax 6.25% 8.4%
State Income Tax 9.0% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 18% less expensive in Arizona than in Massachusetts.
  • Home prices are about 31% lower in Arizona than in Massachusetts.
  • The average income is about 25% lower in Arizona than in Massachusetts.
  • Cost of living is 7% lower in Arizona than in Massachusetts.
  • Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 8%.
  • Sales taxes are 34% higher in Arizona than in Massachusetts.
  • Income taxes are 72% lower in Arizona than in Massachusetts.

How life is different in Arizona vs. Massachusetts

Arizona Massachusetts
Population 7,431,344 7,001,399
Political leaning Democrat 56-44 Democratic 61.5-36.3
Summer high 99ºF 82ºF
Winter low 34ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 12" 49"
Annual snow 6" 47"
Crime index 24.89 13.92
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 6% greater than the population of Massachusetts.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
  • In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
  • Arizona has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 13.92.

Comparing the pros of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.

Pros of living in Massachusetts Pros of living in Arizona
Natural beauty Ample economic opportunity
Excellent education system Pleasant weather
Delicious seafood Abundant recreational opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Cultural diversity
Home to Boston No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts for Arizona.

Cons of living in Massachusetts Cons of living in Arizona
Bad traffic Extreme weather
Poor driving conditions Barren desert land
Harsh winter weather Health hazards
High cost of living Limited public transportation
Peculiar liquor laws No winter

Other things to consider for your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts to Arizona?toggle

Hiring a full-service Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Arizona?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Massachusetts than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Arizona, with average rent about 18% less and home prices 31.2% lower than in Massachusetts. Taxes are also lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by Massachusetts 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