Things to know before moving from Montana to Mesa, AZ

Cost of living: Montana vs Mesa, AZ

Montana Mesa
Average rent cost $974 $1,786
Average home value $462,631 $432,892
Average income (per capita) $66,341 $64,524
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 7% 3%
  • Rent is about 83% more expensive in Mesa than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 6% lower in Mesa than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Mesa than in Montana.
  • Mesa has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 85%.
  • Income taxes are 63% lower in Mesa than in Montana.

How life is different in Mesa from Montana

Mesa Montana
Population 504,258 1,132,812
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 105ºF 84ºF
Winter low 40ºF 12ºF
Annual rain 10" 15"
Annual snow 0" 49"
Crime index 44.67 23.37
  • The population of Mesa is approximately 55% lower than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, Mesa voted Republican and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Mesa is 105ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Mesa reaches the temperature of 40ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about 10 inches of annual rainfall in Mesa vs 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In Mesa, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 49 inches of snow in Montana.
  • Mesa has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 44.67 vs 23.37.

Things to do in Mesa

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Mesa.

Museums in Mesatoggle

  • Commemorative Air Force Museum
  • Arizona Museum of Natural History
  • Mesa Arts Center
  • i.d.e.a. Museum
  • Mesa Historical Museum

Parks in Mesatoggle

  • Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
  • Freestone Park
  • Riverview Park
  • Pioneer Park

Universities in Mesatoggle

  • Mesa Community College,
  • Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University
  • A. T. Still University: Osteopathic Medical School
  • CAE Global Academy Phoenix
  • Albright College
  • Westminster College
  • Benedictine University
  • Upper Iowa University
  • Wilkes University

Other considerations when moving to Mesa, 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 Montana vs. Mesa, AZ

Comparing the pros of Montana vs. Mesa, AZ:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Montana vs Mesa side-by-side.

Pros of living in Montana Pros of living in Mesa, AZ
Unmatched natural beauty Bountiful outdoor activities
Bountiful outdoor opportunities Beautiful nature
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Delicious unique cuisine Safe
No traffic Abundant food options

Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Mesa, AZ:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Montana for Mesa.

Cons of living in Montana Cons of living in Mesa, AZ
Dangerous wildlife Terrible traffic
Remote lifestyle Tourists
Touristy Hot summers
Lacking in urban amenities Low wages

FAQ

How long does a move from Montana to Mesa take?

The time frame for a move from Montana to Mesa, 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 Montana, the longer the drive time to Mesa 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 Mesa from Montana 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 Montana to Mesa?

Because of the 1215-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Montana to Mesa 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 Mesa, AZ?

With the summer highs of 105ºF and the winter lows of 40ºF, most people move to Mesa from Montana during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Mesa during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources