($1,323) Cost of Moving From Michigan to Arizona
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to Arizona ranges from $1,288 to $7,976 and takes five–16 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Arizona to Michigan guide.
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The best Michigan to Arizona full-service movers
Moving from Michigan to Arizona? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Michigan for your Arizona relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
rating
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best Michigan to Arizona moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Michigan and drop it off at your new home in Arizona.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
The best Michigan to Arizona moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Michigan to Arizona, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
The best Michigan to Arizona labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Michigan to Arizona:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to AZ move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Arizona?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Arizona for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,323 - $5,315 | $1,170 - $2,896 | $1,089 - $2,206 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,576 - $7,976 | $2,066 - $4,242 | $1,288 - $2,600 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,391 - $11,353 | $2,772 - $5,489 | $1,470 - $3,151 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,929 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Arizona
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Arizona will cost between $1,323 and $5,315. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to AZ will range from $3,576 to $7,976, and a large move from Michigan to Arizona will cost from $6,391 to $11,353.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Arizona
Moving containers from Michigan to Arizona will cost you $1,170 to $2,896 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,066 to $4,242. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,772 to $5,489. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Arizona
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$1,089 to $2,206.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$1,288 to $2,600,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to Arizona costs from
$1,470 to $3,151.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to AZ
There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan 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 Michigan 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 MI to AZ
If you’re moving to Arizona from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Arizona
| Michigan | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $72,581 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.4% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 26% more expensive in Arizona than in Michigan.
- Home prices are about 74% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
- The average income is about 6% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
- Cost of living is 16% lower in Arizona than in Michigan.
- Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan by about 23%.
- Sales taxes are 40% higher in Arizona than in Michigan.
- Income taxes are 41% lower in Arizona than in Michigan.
How life is different in Arizona vs. Michigan
| Arizona | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 64" |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 19.98 |
- The population of Arizona is approximately 26% lower than the population of Michigan.
- In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Michigan voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
- You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
- In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
- Arizona has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 19.98.
Comparing the pros of Michigan 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 Michigan.
| Pros of living in Michigan | Pros of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Scenic beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Good higher education | Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living | Cultural diversity |
| Beautiful lakes | No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan 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 Michigan for Arizona.
| Cons of living in Michigan | Cons of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Cold snowy winters | Extreme weather |
| Spotty economic opportunity | Barren desert land |
| Poor transportation infrastructure | Health hazards |
| Expensive education | Limited public transportation |
| Thick accents | No winter |
Other things to consider for your Michigan 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 Michigan to Arizona?
Hiring a full-service Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Arizona?
The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Arizona?
It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 21% less and home prices 43% lower than in Arizona. However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Michigan 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 $1,747 per month for an individual and $4,546 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.
