Arizona to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to California

ConsArizona

• Extreme summer heat
• No nearby beaches
• Frequent dust storms
• Sparse public transit
• Car dependent sprawl
• Lower tech job density
• Fewer top universities
• Monsoon flash floods
• Limited climate variety
• AC dependence
• Lower wages overall
• Smaller arts scene

ProsCalifornia

• Milder coastal summers
• Pacific Ocean access
• Ocean breezes
• Robust transit options
• Walkable urban cores
• Major tech hubs
• Renowned UC system
• Milder coastal rains
• Diverse microclimates
• Outdoor-friendly weather
• Higher average pay
• World-class culture

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California

• Higher living costs
• Higher tax burden
• Expensive housing
• Heavier congestion
• Limited parking
• Slower permitting
• More regulations
• Cooler, wetter winters
• Earthquake risk
• Higher insurance costs
• Higher electricity rates
• Coastal marine layer

Arizona

• Lower cost of living
• Lower taxes overall
• Cheaper housing
• Lighter traffic
• Ample parking
• Faster permitting
• Business-friendly rules
• Mild winter weather
• Fewer earthquakes
• Lower insurance costs
• Lower electricity rates
• Abundant sunshine

Pros of moving from Arizona to California

• Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to milder coastal summers
• Look forward to moving away from no nearby beaches and moving to California with Pacific Ocean access
• Swap the frequent dust storms of Arizona for ocean breezes in California
• Get ready for robust transit options in California

Cons of moving from Arizona to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Arizona to live with higher living costs in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower taxes overall and have to settle for the con of a higher tax burden
• Time to bid farewell to cheaper housing and get used to expensive housing in California
• Swap lighter traffic for heavier congestion

Arizona vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to California, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Avocado Toast of California. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Café, and Durant's. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The Cheeseboard, Spago, and The French Laundry.

When comparing lifestyles, California shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in California, compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in California.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and California

• The Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and mountain views, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to tech jobs and ocean views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Arizona.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
• California has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
• California housing costs are 82% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in California is 42.46% more expensive than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and California

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to California. California gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• California has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 10 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows in California are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 23% more than in Arizona
• The COLI in California is 35% higher than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in CA is 1% - 13.3% compared to 2.59% - 4.5% in AZ
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to moderate in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arizona and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. California

• Arizona tends to lean conservative, but is becoming more purple in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a variety of faiths and many identifying as non-religious
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant Christian population

How Much Do Arizona to California Movers Cost?

Moving 748 miles from Arizona to California will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.