(Updated March 18, 2025)
While the Grand Canyon often steals the spotlight the Copper State isn’t just a top vacation spot — it’s also an enchanting place to call home. In 2024, 109,357 new transplants flocked out west to this desert oasis, firmly placing it among top 10 states for relocation. So, why are people moving to Arizona — and is it the right choice for you?
There’s no shortage of reasons to move to Arizona. With its warm and sunny climate, phenomenal outdoor recreation, lucrative job market, and vibrant, energetic cities, folks come here from all over the U.S., including California, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Illinois, and even as far east as Florida. This guide will cover both the pros and cons of living in Arizona — from the cost of living to the most sought-after parts of this state — so you’ll know what to expect before making a long-distance move.
Living in Arizona: Quick Facts
Population: 7,565,736
Median age: 39 years old
Cost of living: 6% above the national average
Median income: $68,329
Average home value: $424,842
Average monthly rent: $1,575 for a one-bedroom
Job outlook: 2% projected growth in 2025
Fun fact: Arizona is one of only two states (the other being Hawaii that do not observe daylight saving time. Because of Arizona’s intense heat, energy consumption would soar if homes had to run air conditioning for an extra hour in the summer months.
7 Things to Consider Before Moving to Arizona
Arizona has some of the most awe-inspiring nature you’ll ever see. From the aspen trees and mountain peaks of Flagstaff, to the spectacular Red Rock formations of Sedona, to the rustic cactus-lined trails of Phoenix, there’s so much beauty to ogle at. But moving to Arizona involves more than meets the eye. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1) The cost of living in Arizona is higher than the national average
Due to an influx of new residents moving, combined with a limited housing inventory, the cost of living in Arizona has risen 6% above the national average. But with that said, if you’re from another expensive state, then you might find the prices to be comparable or even more affordable than what you’re used to.
Take the cost of living in Arizona versus California or Washington, for instance. A single person will need to earn $113,651 to live comfortably in California and $106,496 to live comfortably in Washington, whereas that same person will need $97,344 in Arizona. Granted, if you’re from a cheaper state like Texas (where a single person only needs $87,027), then you’ll want to take the cost of living into account before moving to Arizona.
The amount of money it takes to move to Arizona can fluctuate based on certain factors, such as the distance you’re relocating from and whether you choose to hire a full-service mover or rent a truck yourself. As a rough estimate, if you’re moving to Arizona from one state over like California, you’ll need $2,285–$4,610 to hire a full-service moving company or $542–$962 to rent a moving truck and do the loading and driving yourself. But if you’re moving across the country from a state like Florida, you’ll need $2,942–$5,244 or $1,207–$2,331, respectively.
2) Expect plenty of sun and some serious heat in Arizona.
Most of Arizona has a desert climate with mild winters, hot summers (it’s a dry heat, which some find more tolerable than the humid heat of the South), and about 286 days of sunshine. In the arid regions of this state, temperatures can escalate well over 100 degrees in the summers, with only 12 inches of annual rainfall. Winters can dip below freezing, but usually the temperature hovers around 40–65.
From June to September, cities in the Sonoran Desert like Phoenix or Tucson are also prone to haboobs, which commonly form in the foothills after a monsoon. These intense dust storms can stretch 1,500 to 5,000 feet high and over 60 miles wide, reaching speeds of 20 to 70 miles per hour. If a haboob strikes while you’re driving, pull off to the shoulder as soon as possible — it can lead to a serious car accident from poor traction and visibility.
You might be surprised to learn, however, that not all of Arizona is a desert. Up north in areas like Flagstaff, the climate becomes more temperate with a lush forest terrain, four distinct seasons, and high alpine elevations. The summer months are about 80 degrees, while the winters can be colder than 15 degrees with an average of 81 inches of snow each year. So, for anyone who feels drawn to Arizona but can’t handle extreme heat: you have options.
3) The crime rate tends to be fairly high in certain parts of Arizona
Property crimes occur in Arizona at a rate of 2,058 per 100,000 residents (13% above the national average), while the violent crime rate is 432 per 100,000 residents (5% above the national average). These statistics can be cause for concern — but as with anywhere else, most criminal activities are concentrated in small pockets of the state. Here are the three most dangerous Arizona cities, as well as the three safest.
Most dangerous parts of Arizona
South Tucson
Globe
Phoenix
Safest parts of Arizona
Paradise Valley
Gilbert
Sahuarita
4) Buying or renting a home in Arizona can be a pricey endeavor
Inflated housing is a key contributor to the steep cost of living in Arizona. With low inventory and high prices, the Arizona housing market has been difficult for buyers to navigate these last few years. In 2025, the average home costs $424,842 — that’s a .2% increase from 2024 and considerably more expensive than the national average of $355,328.
While this makes Arizona’s home prices higher than states like Florida ($385,541), they are still cheaper than higher-cost-of-living states like Washington ($589,599) and California ($773,347). The National Association of Realtors estimates that prices will continue to increase in the large metro areas like Phoenix. But if you can afford to live here, new construction will also expand, which means more homes for buyers to choose from.
Prefer to rent? On average, a one-bedroom apartment will set you back around $1,575 per month. Of course, this varies based on the location. For instance, areas like Florence, Tucson, and Glendale only cost $1,292, $1,307, and $1,575 per month, respectively. Meanwhile, areas like Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley cost $2,057, $1,979, and $1,881 per month.
5) Arizona’s job market is booming with diverse career opportunities
Thanks to robust economic growth and almost 57,000 jobs created over the last couple years, living in Arizona can open the door for exciting new career opportunities. Nine Arizona cities rank among the best places in the U.S. to find a job. The unemployment rate of 3.8% is also lower than the national average, too — yet another reason to move to Arizona!
The top industries here are technology, healthcare, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and tourism. On average, you can expect to earn an annual salary of $68,329, or about $33 per hour, which is higher than what you would earn in other western states like Texas, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Many notable Fortune 500 companies also have headquarters in Arizona, including Carvana, Opendoor, Avnet, and Insight Enterprises.
6) The best places to live in Arizona offer something for everyone
One of the main benefits of living in Arizona is the sheer amount of options you’ll have when choosing where to put down roots. Of course, this is ultimately a matter of preference, but to help narrow down your search — the Copper State has 445 cities, after all — here are our picks for the three best places to live in Arizona.
Scottsdale: Best for young professionals
As the top-ranked U.S. city to land a job in 2025, Scottsdale is an excellent choice for young professionals. This trendy enclave 30 minutes from Downtown Phoenix combines urban energy with upscale luxury for seamless work-life balance. It’s also close to interstates and public transit services, making your commute hassle-free.
Old Town Scottsdale has a vibrant social scene, too — from designer boutiques and eclectic restaurants to dynamic nightlife venues and street art exhibitions — all within walking distance. Your housing options include historic ranch-style bungalows, modern townhomes, and sleek condos or apartments.
Prescott: Best for retirees
With unbeatable outdoor recreation, numerous active 55-plus communities, and a four-season climate that’s not as cold as Flagstaff but cooler than Phoenix, retirees moving to Arizona will feel right at home in Prescott.
Nestled in the picturesque Bradshaw Mountains, this city offers lush golf courses, pristine lakes, and 56 miles of hiking trails. Prescott also has a lower cost of living than other retirement destinations such as Sedona, making it easy to rent or purchase an affordable home without sacrificing the amenities you want. Prescott’s healthcare system is one of the best in Arizona as well, so you can retire with peace of mind.
Sahuarita: Best for families
Known for its safe, close-knit community vibes and below-average crime rates, Sahuarita is an ideal spot for raising children. This town is located just 20 minutes from Tucson, so families can access urban entertainment while still maintaining a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
The Sahuarita Unified School District offers robust academic programs, diverse classroom environments, and top-notch athletics and extracurricular activities. There’s also tons of outdoor recreation, thanks to all the local green spaces with playgrounds, community gardens, lakefront trails, and sports facilities.
7) You’ll never run out of unique entertainment options in Arizona
Whether you’re in the mood for urban attractions or nature explorations, Arizona’s top-notch entertainment makes it an incredible place to live. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the close proximity to 22 national parks, trails, forests, and monuments. Sports fans will have a blast cheering on their favorite local teams. Foodies will appreciate the diverse culinary scene. And culture buffs will enjoy the museums, art galleries, music venues, and architectural landmarks. Here are some don’t-miss fun things to do in Arizona.
Take a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, or Saguaro National Parks.
Attend the monthly First Friday Art Walk festival in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row district.
Hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, a ski resort in the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.
Immerse yourself in 55 acres of Sonoran plant life at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Explore what lies beneath the surface at the Colossal Cave Mountain Park outside Tuscon.
Camp by a lake in the dense pine forests of the Mogollon Rim in northeastern Arizona.
Meander through the Verde Valley Wine Trail in the heart of Arizona’s wine country.
Learn about Indigenous history and culture at Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona.
Grab a cowboy hat and visit the oldest western rodeo at Frontier Days in Prescott.
Experience the Arcosanti ecological and artistic colony about an hour outside Phoenix.
Hike the four main Vortex Trails in Sedona, which are said to contain energetic forces.
Tour the historic town of Bisbee, then savor a pint at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company.
Spend an afternoon at Papago Park, home to the Phoenix Zoo and Hole-in-the-Rock.
Climb to the summit of Camelback Mountain, one of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails.
Order a classic Sonoran Hot Dog (an Arizona institution!) — BK Carne Asada in Tucson is a must-try spot.
Enjoy authentic Native American cuisine at the James Beard-winning Fry Bread House.
Snag tickets for M3F Fest, an indie music festival that benefits local Phoenix charities.
Root for Arizona’s various sports teams or check out a Spring Training baseball game.
Visit nature wonders like Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend in Page near the Utah border.
Sample the best Southwestern food this state has to offer at Arizona Restaurant Week.
Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona
All destinations have both their pros and cons — living in Arizona is no exception. While there are many undeniable reasons to move to Arizona, there are some potential drawbacks as well. Let’s run through the main pros and cons of living in Arizona, so you can determine if relocating here makes the most sense for your next chapter.
Pros of living in Arizona
With over 64,000 acres of public land, Arizona is an outdoor recreation paradise.
The job market in Arizona offers numerous career opportunities in various industries.
There’s no shortage of entertainment options from one end of Arizona to the other.
Cons of living in Arizona
Both the housing market and cost of living in Arizona can be quite expensive.
Arizona’s crime rate is above the national average in certain parts of the state.
If you live near a desert region, expect the summers in Arizona to be brutally hot.
Start Your Arizona Adventure with Colonial Van Lines
If you’re into breathtaking natural scenery and thrilling entertainment attractions, and you’re not turned off by the steep home values or the scorching temperatures, then moving to Arizona is an excellent decision, especially if you hail from states with more extreme weather patterns and a higher cost of living.
Ready to settle into this desert oasis? Let Colonial Van Lines streamline your move to Arizona. With more than 50 years of experience, our team has fine-tuned each step of long-distance relocation — from packing up your old house, to transporting, unloading, and unpacking it all in your new home. Call us for a free moving quote today!