AZ to FL Moving Specialists

Arizona to Florida Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 2,174 mile interstate move from Arizona to Florida? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Florida across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs lower summer highs), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Key Lime Pie), real estate & housing (southwestern vs spanish/mediterranean), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Florida), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Key Lime Pie & Cuban Sandwich
  • Florida housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Florida is 16.26% more expensive than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to Florida will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Florida movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Florida featured image

Top Arizona to Florida Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Florida movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Florida

9.76/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Sebastian Moving and More featured image

Sebastian Moving and More

9.72/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Easy Florida Moving LLC featured image

Easy Florida Moving LLC

9.56/10
Exceptional

Arizona to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Florida

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Landlocked state
  • Ongoing drought
  • Dust storms
  • Sparse greenery
  • Limited water recreation
  • State income tax
  • Fewer theme parks
  • Limited seafood options
  • Far from cruises
  • Watering restrictions
  • Dry desert scenery
ProsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Lower summer highs
  • Ocean access
  • Abundant rainfall
  • Sea breezes
  • Lush landscapes
  • Year-round water sports
  • No state income tax
  • World-class theme parks
  • Fresh coastal seafood
  • Nearby cruise ports
  • Easier lawn care
  • Beachfront living

Florida iconFlorida
  • Hurricane exposure
  • High humidity
  • Frequent thunderstorms
  • Higher home insurance
  • Higher auto insurance
  • Numerous toll roads
  • Less rugged hiking
  • No mountains nearby
  • Mold and mildew risk
  • Heavy mosquitoes
  • No Grand Canyon
  • Higher flood risk
Arizona iconArizona
  • Low hurricane risk
  • Dry heat comfort
  • Clear sunny skies
  • Lower home insurance
  • Lower auto insurance
  • No toll roads
  • Abundant desert hiking
  • Nearby mountain escapes
  • Less mold growth
  • Fewer mosquitoes
  • Iconic Grand Canyon
  • Low flood risk

Pros of moving from Arizona to Florida

  • Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to lower summer highs
  • Look forward to moving away from a landlocked state and moving to Florida with ocean access
  • Swap the ongoing drought of Arizona for abundant rainfall in Florida
  • Get ready for sea breezes in Florida

Cons of moving from Arizona to Florida

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low hurricane risk in Arizona to live with hurricane exposure in Florida
  • You'll lose out on the pro of dry heat comfort and have to settle for the con of high humidity
  • Time to bid farewell to clear sunny skies and get used to frequent thunderstorms in Florida
  • Swap lower home insurance for higher home insurance

Arizona vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaKey Lime Pie
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaCuban Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Durant’s
  • Joe’s Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • Bern’s Steak House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arizona to Florida, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas 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 Black Bean Burgers of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Durant’s. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Bern’s Steak House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Florida

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Typical Architecture StyleSouthwesternSpanish/Mediterranean
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, mountain viewsBeach access, pools
  • The Southwestern architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Spanish/Mediterranean architecture typical of Florida.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and mountain views, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like beach access and pools.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Florida is more walkable than Arizona.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Florida is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Florida has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Florida housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in Florida is 16.26% more expensive than in Arizona.

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

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersWildfires, DroughtsHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityVaries by area, generally moderateVaries by area, generally moderate to poor
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)104Β°F / 75Β°F91Β°F / 75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F75Β°F / 54Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1354
Annual Snowfall (Inches)00
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Florida. Florida gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Florida has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and droughts in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Florida.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 13 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 41 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Florida

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Avg. Household Income$74,568$69,303
Cost of Living Index101.297.8
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.50%No state income tax
Avg. Property Tax0.62%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax5.6% - 11.2%6.0% - 8.5%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, TourismTourism, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateMixed
PovertyAbove AverageAverage
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 7% less than in Arizona
  • The COLI in Florida will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in FL is no state income tax compared to 2.59% to 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in Florida is mixed compared to moderate in Arizona
  • The poverty level is average in Florida compared to above average in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arizona and high in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Florida

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Political Make-upMixed; leans RepublicanMixed; leans Republican
Local PoliticsConservative in rural, liberal in urban areasDiverse; varies from conservative in the north to more liberal in urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a mix of other faithsHighly diverse, Christianity predominant but a significant mix of other faiths
  • Arizona tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
  • Florida, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and leans Republican
  • Florida's religious environment can be described as highly diverse, with Christianity predominant but a significant mix of other faiths
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Florida

ComparisonArizonaFlorida
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
Tempe; University of Arizona
Tucson; Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff
University of Florida
Gainesville; Florida State University
Tallahassee; University of Central Florida
Orlando
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Scottsdale; Great Hearts Academies - Archway North Phoenix
Phoenix; Madison Traditional Academy
Phoenix
Pine View School
Osprey; Orlando Science Elementary School
Orlando; Sunset Elementary School
Miami
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis Tucson North
Tucson; Arizona School for the Arts
Phoenix; Great Hearts Academies - Mesa Prep
Mesa
David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center
North Miami; Mast Academy
Key Biscayne; American Heritage School
Plantation
Top 3 High SchoolsBasis Chandler
Chandler; Prescott High School
Prescott; Desert Vista High School
Phoenix
Pine View School
Osprey; Stanton College Preparatory School
Jacksonville; Cypress Bay High School
Weston
Top 3 private high schoolsXavier College Preparatory
Phoenix; Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley
American Heritage School
Delray Beach; Ransom Everglades School
Miami; Pine Crest School
Fort Lauderdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPhoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley; The Gregory School
Tucson; Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Scottsdale
Gulliver Preparatory School
Pinecrest; Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Miami; North Broward Preparatory School
Coconut Creek
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale; Chandler Unified District
Chandler; Vail School District
Vail
St. Johns County School District
St. Augustine; Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota; Martin County School District
Stuart

How Much Do Arizona to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 2,174 miles from Arizona to Florida will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,435300 ft3$8.12
1 Bedroom$3,630450 ft3$8.07
2 Bedrooms$6,012750 ft3$8.02
3 Bedrooms$8,7631100 ft3$7.97
4 Bedrooms$12,6671600 ft3$7.92
5+ Bedrooms$14,1601800 ft3$7.87