Arizona to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

Planning a 1,917 mile interstate move from Arizona to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs cooler summers), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (ranch, pueblo vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Coney Dog & Pasties
- Michigan housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Michigan is 24.21% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Michigan will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
- Our top recommended Arizona to Michigan movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Michigan
- Extreme summer heat
- Limited water supply
- Desert landscape
- Dust storms
- Higher AC cost
- Cooler summers
- Great Lakes access
- Lush greenery
- Seasonal variety
- Lower AC usage
- Cold winters
- Higher taxes
- Overcast skies
- Heavy snowfall
- Higher heating needs
- Year-round sunshine
- Low taxes
- Vibrant sunsets
- Minimal snow
- Lower heating costs
Pros of moving from Arizona to Michigan
- Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from limited water supply and moving to Michigan with great Lakes access
- Swap the desert landscape of Arizona for lush greenery in Michigan
- Get ready for seasonal variety in Michigan
Cons of moving from Arizona to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from year-round sunshine in Arizona to live with cold winters in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of low taxes and have to settle for the con of higher taxes
- Time to bid farewell to vibrant sunsets and get used to overcast skies in Michigan
- Swap minimal snow for heavy snowfall
Arizona vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Coney Dog |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Pasties |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fried Pickles |
Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | Tempeh Reuben |
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 Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Fried Pickles to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. 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 Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Eccentric CafΓ©.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Michigan
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Pueblo | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pool, Outdoor living | Lakefront, Large yards |
- The Ranch and Pueblo architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and outdoor living, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront property and large yards.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Michigan has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Michigan housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Michigan is 24.21% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Michigan
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
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 | Wildfires, Heatwaves | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F/83Β°F | 81Β°F/61Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F/46Β°F | 31Β°F/18Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 32 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3 | 60 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Michigan. Michigan gets 43% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Michigan 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 snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 25 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 28 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Michigan. Michigan receives 19 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Michigan
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 4.5% | 4.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.60% | 1.45% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.40% | 6.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Real Estate, Finance, Healthcare | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Automotive |
Affluence | Growing | Steady |
Poverty | Moderate | Comparable |
Homelessness | Increasing | Stable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 10% less than those in Arizona
- The COLI in Michigan will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 4.5% in AZ
- The affluence in Michigan is steady compared to growing in Arizona
- The poverty level is comparable in Michigan compared to moderate in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is increasing in Arizona and stable in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Michigan
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative/Republican-leaning | Moderately Liberal/Democratic-leaning |
Local Politics | Variably conservative depending on the area | Mixed, with urban areas leaning Democratic and rural areas more Conservative |
Religion | Mixture, with a significant presence of Christians and a growing non-religious demographic | Diverse, Christianity predominant, notable Muslim communities in places like <a href="https://www.dearborn.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dearborn</a> |
- Arizona tends to lean moderately Conservative/Republican in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Liberal/Democratic
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as diverse, with Christianity predominant and notable Muslim communities in places like <a href="https://www.dearborn.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dearborn</a>
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mixture, with a significant presence of Christians and a growing non-religious demographic
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Michigan
Comparison | Arizona | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Knox Gifted Academy - Chandler, BASIS Scottsdale Primary - Scottsdale, BASIS Oro Valley Primary - Oro Valley | Eastover Elementary School - Bloomfield Hills, Burton Elementary School - Huntington Woods, Bemis Elementary School - Troy |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Preparatory Academy - Scottsdale, BASIS Oro Valley - Oro Valley, BASIS Chandler - Chandler | West Middle School - Rochester Hills, Boulan Park Middle School - Troy, East Middle School - Farmington Hills |
Top 3 High Schools | BASIS Scottsdale - Scottsdale, BASIS Oro Valley - Oro Valley, BASIS Chandler - Chandler | International Academy - Bloomfield Hills, Troy High School - Troy, Pioneer High School - Ann Arbor |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory - Phoenix, Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix, The Gregory School - Tucson | Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills, Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills, The Roeper School - Birmingham |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale, Phoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley, The Gregory School - Tucson | Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills, Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills, The Roeper School - Birmingham |
Top 3 School Districts | Chandler Unified District - Chandler, Scottsdale Unified District - Scottsdale, Gilbert Public Schools - Gilbert | Bloomfield Hills Schools - Bloomfield Hills, Troy School District - Troy, Birmingham Public Schools - Birmingham |
How Much Do Arizona to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 1,917 miles from Arizona to Michigan will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 3.5-11.5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,289 | 300 ft3 | $7.63 |
1 Bedroom | $3,411 | 450 ft3 | $7.58 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,648 | 750 ft3 | $7.53 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,229 | 1100 ft3 | $7.48 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,890 | 1600 ft3 | $7.43 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,286 | 1800 ft3 | $7.38 |
Top Arizona to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Michigan