Alabama to Arizona Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 1,586 mile interstate move from Alabama to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs pueblo revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
- Arizona housing costs are 91% more expensive than they are in Alabama
- Rent in Arizona is 29.83% more expensive than in Alabama
- Moving from Alabama to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Alabama to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Alabama to Arizona Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Arizona
- High humidity
- Lack of public transport
- Higher tax rates
- Hurricane risks
- Limited outdoor activities
- Dry climate
- Widespread transit options
- Lower state taxes
- Fewer natural disasters
- Diverse outdoor recreation
- Desert isolation
- Very hot summers
- Higher housing costs
- Newer developments
- Spread-out cities
- Vibrant culture
- Mild winters
- Lower cost of living
- Rich history
- Friendly communities
Pros of moving from Alabama to Arizona
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to dry climate
- Look forward to moving away from lack of public transport and moving to Arizona with widespread transit options
- Swap the higher tax rates of Alabama for lower state taxes in Arizona
- Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Arizona
Cons of moving from Alabama to Arizona
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant culture in Alabama to live with desert isolation in Arizona
- You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of very hot summers
- Time to bid farewell to lower cost of living and get used to higher housing costs in Arizona
- Swap rich history for newer developments
Alabama vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue Ribs | Sonoran Hot Dog |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Fried Green Tomatoes | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | Vegetable Fajitas |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Alabama to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Fajitas of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Highlands Bar & Grill, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Cafe, and FNBAZ.
When comparing lifestyles, Arizona shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arizona compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Arizona.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Arizona
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Pueblo Revival |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, garages | Swimming pools, outdoor living spaces |
- The Colonial Revival architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
- Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and outdoor living spaces.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Alabama.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
- Arizona has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
- Arizona housing costs are 91% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased 63% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
- Rent in Arizona is 29.83% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Arizona
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Hurricanes | Flash floods, Wildfires |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 104Β°F / 81Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 68Β°F / 46Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 56" | 13" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 2" | 0.3" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alabama to Arizona. Arizona gets 34% more sunshine days than Alabama.
- Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alabama.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential flash floods and wildfires in Arizona.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 14 degrees warmer than in Alabama.
- The average winter lows in Arizona are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Alabama.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 43 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Arizona
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $74,568 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 101.2 |
State Income Tax | 2% - 5% | 2.59% - 4.5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.40% | 0.62% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.14% | 8.40% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace | Healthcare, Technology, Tourism |
Affluence | Modest | Moderate |
Poverty | Widespread | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 25% more than in Alabama
- The COLI in Arizona will be 11% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
- The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.5% compared to 2% - 5% in AL
- The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to modest in Alabama
- The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to widespread in Alabama
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and moderate in Arizona
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Arizona
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Moderate/Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | Republican Stronghold | Mixed, with Swing Tendencies |
Religion | Christianity Dominant | Diverse, Christianity Majority |
- Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
- Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as Moderate/Lean Conservative
- Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a Christianity majority
- Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Arizona
Comparison | Alabama | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at Birmingham | Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Greystone Elementary School (Birmingham) Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills) Heritage Elementary School (Madison) | Basis Scottsdale Primary β West Campus (Scottsdale) Khalsa Montessori Elementary School (Phoenix) Chandler Traditional Academy β Independence (Chandler) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook) Berry Middle School (Hoover) Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) | Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale) Basis Tucson North (Tucson) Basis Chandler (Chandler) |
Top 3 High Schools | Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills) | Basis Chandler (Chandler) Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale) Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix) Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix) The Gregory School (Tucson) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale) Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley) The Gregory School (Tucson) |
Top 3 School Districts | Mountain Brook City Schools Vestavia Hills City Schools Madison City Schools | Scottsdale Unified School District Catalina Foothills Unified District Chandler Unified District |
How Much Do Alabama to Arizona Movers Cost?
Moving 1,586 miles from Alabama to Arizona will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 4-15 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,102 | 300 ft3 | $7.01 |
1 Bedroom | $3,130 | 450 ft3 | $6.96 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,179 | 750 ft3 | $6.91 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,541 | 1100 ft3 | $6.86 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,889 | 1600 ft3 | $6.81 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,160 | 1800 ft3 | $6.76 |
Top Alabama to Arizona Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Arizona movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Alabama to Arizona