AZ to MA Moving Specialists

Arizona to Massachusetts Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 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 extreme summer heat vs cooler summer temps), 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 featured image

Top Arizona to Massachusetts Movers

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

9.76/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

9.70/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
Exceptional

Arizona to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Massachusetts

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Water scarcity
  • Dust storms
  • Car-dependent sprawl
  • Limited fall colors
  • Fewer elite universities
  • Less coastline access
  • Outdoor heat limits
  • Higher AC dependence
  • Wildfire smoke season
  • Long drives between cities
  • Sparse greenery
  • Limited historic architecture
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cooler summer temps
  • Abundant freshwater
  • Cleaner coastal air
  • Robust public transit
  • Iconic fall foliage
  • World-class universities
  • Beaches and coast
  • Comfortable summer hikes
  • Lower AC usage
  • Less wildfire smoke
  • Walkable compact towns
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Rich colonial history

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Colder, longer winters
  • More cloudy days
  • Humid summers
  • Short golf season
  • Heavy snowfall
  • Higher housing costs
  • Higher income tax
  • Tight street parking
  • More toll roads
  • Denser urban living
  • High heating bills
  • Older infrastructure
  • Congested Boston traffic
  • Road salt corrosion
  • Smaller historic homes
  • Annual vehicle inspection
Arizona iconArizona
  • Mild winter temps
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Low humidity
  • Year-round golf
  • Less snowfall
  • Lower housing costs
  • Lower income tax
  • Easy parking
  • Fewer toll roads
  • Wide open spaces
  • Minimal heating bills
  • Newer infrastructure
  • Wider highways
  • Less vehicle rust
  • Larger modern homes
  • No safety inspection

Pros of moving from Arizona to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to cooler summer temps
  • Look forward to moving away from water scarcity and moving to Massachusetts with abundant freshwater
  • Swap the dust storms of Arizona for cleaner coastal air in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for robust public transit in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Arizona to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winter temps in Arizona to live with colder and longer winters in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of abundant sunshine and have to settle for the con of more cloudy days
  • Time to bid farewell to low humidity and get used to humid summers in Massachusetts
  • Swap year-round golf for a short golf season

Arizona vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemNavajo TacoClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemTacosFish and Chips
Most popular vegan foodPrickly Pear SmoothieVegetable Stir Fry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
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 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

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, PuebloColonial, Cape Cod
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 listingBackyard pools, Open floor plansHistoric 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 Arizona’s $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

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
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 DisastersHeatwaves, DroughtsBlizzards, Nor'easters
Air QualityVaries by area; some cities have poor air qualityGenerally good, but can vary
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F / 83Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F37Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1347
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

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$74,568$94,488
Cost of Living Index101.2121.55
State Income Tax2.59%5.05%
Avg. Property Tax0.68%1.17%
Avg. Sales Tax8.4%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Real Estate, AerospaceEducation, Healthcare, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableLess pronounced
HomelessnessConcerningControlled
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
Political Make-upTraditionally Republican, but recently more of a battleground stateStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixture of conservative and liberal local governments, depending on the areaPredominantly liberal local governments
ReligionChristianity predominates, but with a significant number of unaffiliated residentsChristianity 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

ComparisonArizonaMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
Tempe; University of Arizona
Tucson; Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff
Harvard University
Cambridge; Boston University
Boston; University of Massachusetts
Amherst
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsKnox Gifted Academy
Chandler; Self Development Academy
Mesa; Kyrene de la Sierra
Phoenix
Boston Latin School
Boston; Weston Elementary School
Weston; Lexington Green Elementary
Lexington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis Phoenix
Phoenix; Arizona School for the Arts
Phoenix; Orange Grove Middle School
Tucson
Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Cambridge; Fayerweather Street School
Cambridge; Derby Academy
Hingham
Top 3 High SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale; University High School
Tucson; BASIS Chandler
Chandler
Sturgis Charter Public School
Hyannis; Boston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High School
Lexington
Top 3 private high schoolsPhoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley; Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix
Phillips Academy
Andover; Milton Academy
Milton; Concord Academy
Concord
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBasis Scottsdale
Scottsdale; Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Scottsdale; The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies
Buckeye
Groton School
Groton; Noble and Greenough School
Dedham; Middlesex School
Concord
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale; Chandler Unified School District
Chandler; Peoria Unified School District
Peoria
Lexington Public Schools
Lexington; Weston Public Schools
Weston; The Public Schools of Brookline
Brookline

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 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,640300 ft3$8.80
1 Bedroom$3,937450 ft3$8.75
2 Bedrooms$6,524750 ft3$8.70
3 Bedrooms$9,5141100 ft3$8.65
4 Bedrooms$13,7581600 ft3$8.60
5+ Bedrooms$15,3881800 ft3$8.55

Chandler to Massachusetts

Scottsdale to Massachusetts

Gilbert to Massachusetts

Glendale to Massachusetts

Tempe to Massachusetts

Peoria to Massachusetts