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Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to AZ
There are many factors that influence Montana moving costs. The cost to move from Montana 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 Montana 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 MT to AZ
If you’re moving to Arizona from Montana, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Montana vs. Arizona
| Montana | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $974 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $462,631 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,341 | $72,581 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 0.0% | 8.4% |
| State Income Tax | 6.75% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 34% more expensive in Arizona than in Montana.
- Home prices are about 7% lower in Arizona than in Montana.
- The average income is about 9% higher in Arizona than in Montana.
- Cost of living is 7% lower in Arizona than in Montana.
- Arizona has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 9%.
- Sales taxes are 8% higher in Arizona than in Montana.
- Income taxes are 63% lower in Arizona than in Montana.
How life is different in Arizona vs. Montana
| Arizona | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 1,132,812 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 12ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 15" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 49" |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 23.37 |
- The population of Arizona is approximately 556% greater than the population of Montana.
- In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Montana voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
- You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
- In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 49 inches of snow in Montana.
- Arizona has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 23.37.
Comparing the pros of Montana 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 Montana.
| Pros of living in Montana | Pros of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Unmatched natural beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful outdoor opportunities | Pleasant weather |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Delicious unique cuisine | Cultural diversity |
| No traffic | No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in Montana 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 Montana for Arizona.
| Cons of living in Montana | Cons of living in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Dangerous wildlife | Extreme weather |
| Remote lifestyle | Barren desert land |
| Touristy | Health hazards |
| Lacking in urban amenities | Limited public transportation |
| Challenging weather | No winter |
Other things to consider for your Montana 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 Montana to Arizona?
Hiring a full-service Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Montana to Arizona?
The main reasons people are moving from Montana to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Arizona?
It is generally cheaper to live in Montana than in Arizona. Housing is more affordable in Arizona, with average rent about 34% less and home prices 7.3% lower than in Montana. Taxes are also lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by Montana 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.
