Arizona to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 12, 2025

Planning a 2,535 mile interstate move from Arizona to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like summer heat vs cooler summers), food & health (like Navajo Taco vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (ranch, pueblo vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Navajo Taco and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
- Massachusetts housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Massachusetts is 32.67% more expensive than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Massachusetts will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to Massachusetts movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Massachusetts
- Summer heat
- Limited public transport
- Arid landscape
- Fewer cultural events
- Cooler summers
- Robust transit system
- Lush greenery
- Rich history and arts
- Higher living cost
- Harsh winters
- Seasonal activities limited
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Low living cost
- Sunny weather
- Outdoor activities year-round
- Laid-back lifestyle
Pros of moving from Arizona to Massachusetts
- Say goodbye to summer heat and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Massachusetts with a robust transit system
- Swap the arid landscape of Arizona for lush greenery in Massachusetts
- Get ready for rich history and arts in Massachusetts
Cons of moving from Arizona to Massachusetts
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low living cost in Arizona to live with a higher living cost in Massachusetts
- You'll lose out on the pro of sunny weather and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
- Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities year-round and get used to seasonal activities that are limited in Massachusetts
- Swap a laid-back lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle
Arizona vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Navajo Taco | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fish and Chips |
Most popular vegan food | Prickly Pear Smoothie | Vegetable Stir Fry |
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 Arizona to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Navajo Taco of Arizona for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fish and Chips to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Prickly Pear Smoothie they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Stir Fry of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, Elote CafΓ©, and Durant's. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Neptune Oyster, Legal Sea Foods, and Union Oyster House.
When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Massachusetts
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Pueblo | Colonial, Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Backyard pools, Open floor plans | Historic details, Proximity to public transit |
- The Ranch and Pueblo architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference backyard pools and open floor plans, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to public transit.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Massachusetts is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Massachusetts housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Massachusetts is 32.67% more expensive than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Massachusetts
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 | Heatwaves, Droughts | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Varies by area; some cities have poor air quality | Generally good, but can vary |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F / 83Β°F | 82Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F / 46Β°F | 37Β°F / 22Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 47 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 (in low elevation areas) | 43.8 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 33% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Massachusetts has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and droughts in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 24 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 34 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Massachusetts
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 2.59% | 5.05% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.68% | 1.17% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.4% | 6.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Real Estate, Aerospace | Education, Healthcare, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Notable | Less pronounced |
Homelessness | Concerning | Controlled |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 27% more than in Arizona
- The COLI in Massachusetts is 20% higher than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in MA is 5.05% compared to 2.59% in AZ
- The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is less pronounced in Massachusetts compared to notable poverty in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Arizona and controlled in Massachusetts
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Massachusetts
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican, but recently more of a battleground state | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Mixture of conservative and liberal local governments, depending on the area | Predominantly liberal local governments |
Religion | Christianity predominates, but with a significant number of unaffiliated residents | Christianity is prominent, with a notable presence of other religions and unaffiliated individuals |
- Arizona tends to lean traditionally Republican, but recently has become more of a battleground state in its political climate
- Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
- Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as Christianity being prominent, with a notable presence of other religions and unaffiliated individuals
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominating, but with a significant number of unaffiliated residents
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Massachusetts
Comparison | Arizona | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University | Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Knox Gifted Academy - Chandler Basis Scottsdale Primary - Scottsdale Basis Oro Valley Primary - Oro Valley | Edith C. Baker - Brookline Pierce - Brookline Joseph E. Fiske - Wellesley |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Chandler - Chandler Basis Oro Valley - Oro Valley Basis Peoria - Peoria | William Diamond Middle School - Lexington Jonas Clarke Middle School - Lexington Boston Latin School - Boston |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale - Scottsdale Basis Oro Valley - Oro Valley Basis Peoria - Peoria | Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science - Worcester Boston Latin School - Boston Lexington High - Lexington |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory - Phoenix Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix The Orme School - Mayer | Phillips Academy - Andover Groton School - Groton Milton Academy - Milton |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | All Saints' Episcopal Day School - Phoenix Phoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley The Gregory School - Tucson | Buckingham Browne & Nichols School - Cambridge Noble and Greenough School - Dedham The Roxbury Latin School - West Roxbury |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Catalina Foothills Unified School District Chandler Unified School District | Lexington Public Schools Wellesley Public Schools Brookline Public Schools |
How Much Do Arizona to Massachusetts Movers Cost?
Moving 2,535 miles from Arizona to Massachusetts will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,640 | 300 ft3 | $8.80 |
1 Bedroom | $3,937 | 450 ft3 | $8.75 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,524 | 750 ft3 | $8.70 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,514 | 1100 ft3 | $8.65 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,758 | 1600 ft3 | $8.60 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,388 | 1800 ft3 | $8.55 |
Top Arizona to Massachusetts Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Massachusetts