Movers

Arizona to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 2,183 mile interstate move from Arizona to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs mild summer climate), food & health (like Navajo Taco vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, ranch vs victorian, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Navajo Taco and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 44% more expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in DC is 25.38% more expensive than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to DC will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Arizona to DC movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arizona to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to DC

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Low walkability
  • Desert environment
ProsDC iconDC
  • Mild summer climate
  • Extensive metro system
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Highly walkable
  • Lush greenery

DC iconDC
  • High living cost
  • Dense population
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Variable weather
  • Limited local cuisines
Arizona iconArizona
  • Low living cost
  • Open space
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Sunny weather
  • Southwest cuisine

Pros of moving from Arizona to DC

  • Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to a mild summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to DC with an extensive metro system
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Arizona for a rich cultural scene in DC
  • Get ready for a highly walkable environment in DC

Cons of moving from Arizona to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low living cost in Arizona to live with a high living cost in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of open space and have to settle for the con of a dense population
  • Time to bid farewell to a laid-back lifestyle and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in DC
  • Swap sunny weather for variable weather

Arizona vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaDC
Most iconic local food itemNavajo TacoHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemSonoran Hot DogJumbo Slice Pizza
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Welcome Diner
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
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 DC, you will be trading the iconic Navajo Taco of Arizona for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Jumbo Slice Pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Welcome Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and DC

ComparisonArizonaDC
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, RanchVictorian, Federal
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 listingPool, garageProximity to metro, historic details
  • The Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Arizona.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • DC housing costs are 44% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased 8% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in DC is 25.38% more expensive than in Arizona.

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

ComparisonArizonaDC
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, HeatwavesHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityVariableVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F/83Β°F88Β°F/71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F/46Β°F47Β°F/30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1340
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.315.4
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to DC. DC gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • DC has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in DC.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 18 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 27 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and DC

ComparisonArizonaDC
Avg. Household Income$74,568$101,027
Cost of Living Index101.2140.1
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.50%4.00% - 10.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.65%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Mining, TourismGovernment, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableLess Pronounced
HomelessnessRisingSignificant
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 35% more than in Arizona
  • The COLI in DC will be 38% higher than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in DC is 4.00% to 10.75% compared to 2.59% to 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Arizona
  • The poverty level is less pronounced in DC compared to notable in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is rising in Arizona and significant in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. DC

ComparisonArizonaDC
Political Make-upModerately conservative, swing stateStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsMix of both major partiesPrimarily Democratic
ReligionChristian majority with a diverse spiritual landscapeChristian majority, particularly Protestant, with notable non-religious and Jewish communities
  • Arizona tends to lean moderately conservative for its political climate
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal
  • DC's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, particularly Protestant, with notable non-religious and Jewish communities
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a diverse spiritual landscape

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to DC

ComparisonArizonaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Oro Valley
Basis Peoria
Janney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis Chandler
Basis Tucson North
Basis Peoria
Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Stokes School
Top 3 High SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Chandler
Basis Oro Valley
School Without Walls
Banneker High School
Wilson High School
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory
Phoenix Country Day School
The Gregory School
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Gregory School
Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Phoenix Country Day School
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Maret School
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Catalina Foothills School District
Chandler Unified School District
DC Public Schools

How Much Do Arizona to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 2,183 miles from Arizona to DC 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 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,440300 ft3$8.13
1 Bedroom$3,638450 ft3$8.08
2 Bedrooms$6,025750 ft3$8.03
3 Bedrooms$8,7821100 ft3$7.98
4 Bedrooms$12,6941600 ft3$7.93
5+ Bedrooms$14,1911800 ft3$7.88

Top Arizona to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to DC 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 DC

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details