Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to AZ
There are many factors that influence
North Carolina moving costs.
The cost to move from North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 NC to AZ
If you’re moving to Arizona from North Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: North Carolina vs. Arizona
|
North Carolina |
Arizona |
| Average rent cost |
$1,093 |
$1,308 |
| Average home cost |
$328,715 |
$428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,186 |
$72,581 |
| Cost of Living Index |
96 |
107 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.7% |
3.6% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.98% |
8.4% |
| State Income Tax |
4.5% |
2.5% |
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Rent is about 20% more expensive in Arizona than in North Carolina.
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Home prices are about 30% higher in Arizona than in North Carolina.
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The average income is about 10% higher in Arizona than in North Carolina.
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Cost of living is 11% lower in Arizona than in North Carolina.
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Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 3%.
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Sales taxes are 20% higher in Arizona than in North Carolina.
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Income taxes are 44% lower in Arizona than in North Carolina.
How life is different in Arizona vs. North Carolina
|
Arizona |
North Carolina |
| Population |
7,431,344 |
10,835,491 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 56-44 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
99ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
34ºF |
29ºF |
| Annual rain |
12" |
48" |
| Annual snow |
6" |
4" |
| Crime index |
24.89 |
24.69 |
-
The population of Arizona is approximately 31% lower than the population of North Carolina.
-
In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and North Carolina voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF
and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF
and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
-
You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
-
In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually
versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
-
Arizona has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index
of 24.89 vs. 24.69.
Comparing the pros of North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
| Pros of living in North Carolina |
Pros of living in Arizona |
| Great communities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Low cost of living |
Pleasant weather |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant recreational opportunities |
| High quality of life |
Cultural diversity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina 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 North Carolina for Arizona.
| Cons of living in North Carolina |
Cons of living in Arizona |
| Hurricanes |
Extreme weather |
| Bland weather |
Barren desert land |
| High crime rate |
Health hazards |
| High tax burden |
Limited public transportation |
| Poor education |
No winter |
Other things to consider for your North Carolina 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.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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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.
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Moving permits:
Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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.
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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.
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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 North Carolina to Arizona?
Do movers transport your car from North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Arizona
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to Arizona?
The main reasons people are moving from North Carolina to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as
ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Arizona?
It is generally cheaper to live in North Carolina than in Arizona.
Housing
is much more affordable in North Carolina,
with average rent about 16% less
and home prices 23% lower than in Arizona.
However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 40% less than those paid by
North Carolina 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.
Helpful moving resources
North Carolina moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
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