Movers

Arizona to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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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

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Limited water supply
  • Desert landscape
  • Dust storms
  • Higher AC cost
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Cooler summers
  • Great Lakes access
  • Lush greenery
  • Seasonal variety
  • Lower AC usage

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Cold winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Overcast skies
  • Heavy snowfall
  • Higher heating needs
Arizona iconArizona
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaConey Dog
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaPasties
Most popular street food itemTacosFried Pickles
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Durant's
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Eccentric CafΓ©
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 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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, PuebloColonial, Craftsman
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, Outdoor livingLakefront, 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 Arizona’s $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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
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, HeatwavesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F/83Β°F81Β°F/61Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F/46Β°F31Β°F/18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1332
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.360
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
Avg. Household Income$74,568$66,986
Cost of Living Index101.291.2
State Income Tax4.5%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.60%1.45%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Finance, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Automotive
AffluenceGrowingSteady
PovertyModerateComparable
HomelessnessIncreasingStable
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
Political Make-upModerately Conservative/Republican-leaningModerately Liberal/Democratic-leaning
Local PoliticsVariably conservative depending on the areaMixed, with urban areas leaning Democratic and rural areas more Conservative
ReligionMixture, with a significant presence of Christians and a growing non-religious demographicDiverse, 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

ComparisonArizonaMichigan
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 SchoolsKnox 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 SchoolsPreparatory 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 SchoolsBASIS 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 schoolsBrophy 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 schoolsRancho 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 DistrictsChandler 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 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3.5-11.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,289300 ft3$7.63
1 Bedroom$3,411450 ft3$7.58
2 Bedrooms$5,648750 ft3$7.53
3 Bedrooms$8,2291100 ft3$7.48
4 Bedrooms$11,8901600 ft3$7.43
5+ Bedrooms$13,2861800 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.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Michigan

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details

Chandler to Michigan

Scottsdale to Michigan

Gilbert to Michigan

Glendale to Michigan

Tempe to Michigan

Peoria to Michigan