Arizona to Virginia Moving Guide
Updated June 12, 2025

Planning a 2,070 mile interstate move from Arizona to Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh summers vs mild climate), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Ham), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, pueblo revival vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Ham & Country Ham
- Virginia housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Virginia is 4.36% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Virginia will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to Virginia movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Virginia Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Virginia
- Harsh summers
- Limited greenery
- Distant coastlines
- Desert wildlife
- Dust storms
- Mild climate
- Lush landscapes
- Beach access
- Diverse fauna
- Clean air
- High humidity
- Fewer clear skies
- Higher cost of living
- Smaller tourist attractions
- Traditional vegetation
- Low humidity
- Stunning sunsets
- Affordable living
- Diverse landscapes
- Unique flora
Pros of moving from Arizona to Virginia
- Say goodbye to harsh summers and hello to a mild climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited greenery and moving to Virginia with lush landscapes
- Swap the distant coastlines of Arizona for beach access in Virginia
- Get ready for diverse fauna in Virginia
Cons of moving from Arizona to Virginia
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low humidity in Arizona to live with high humidity in Virginia
- You'll lose out on the pro of stunning sunsets and have to settle for the con of fewer clear skies
- Time to bid farewell to affordable living and get used to a higher cost of living in Virginia
- Swap diverse landscapes for smaller tourist attractions
Arizona vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Ham |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Country Ham |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Oysters |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | BBQ Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants |
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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 Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Oysters 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 BBQ Jackfruit of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzicletta, Baco Cafe, and El Charro CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Lemaire, The Shack, and Zynodoa.
When comparing lifestyles, Virginia shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Virginia compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Virginia.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Virginia
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Pueblo Revival | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Swimming Pool, Desert Views | Hardwood Floors, Historic Details |
- The Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and desert views, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and historic details.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Arizona.
- Virginia is similarly bike-friendly to Arizona.
- Virginia has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Virginia housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Virginia is 4.36% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Virginia
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
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, Wildfires | Hurricanes, Winter Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 104Β°F / 76Β°F | 87Β°F / 66Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 66Β°F / 45Β°F | 48Β°F / 29Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 42 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3 | 10 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Virginia. Virginia gets 32% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and wildfires in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in Virginia.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 17 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 Virginia. Virginia receives 29 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Virginia
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $85,873 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 2.59-4.5 | 2-5.75 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.62 | 0.80 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.4 | 5.3 |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Aerospace, Technology | Government, Technology, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Comfortable |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 15% more than in Arizona
- The COLI in Virginia will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in VA is 2-5.75% compared to 2.59-4.5% in AZ
- The affluence in Virginia is comfortable compared to moderate in Arizona
- The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Arizona and moderate in Virginia
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Virginia
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican, trending purple | Swing state, recently tending Democratic |
Local Politics | Mix of conservative and liberal local governance | Diverse, from conservative rural areas to liberal urban centers |
Religion | Largely Christian, with a growing number of non-affiliated residents | Predominantly Christian, but with a rich diversity of religions |
- Arizona tends to lean traditionally Republican, trending purple in its political climate
- Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently tending Democratic
- Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, but with a rich diversity of religions
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian, with a growing number of non-affiliated residents
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Virginia
Comparison | Arizona | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University | University of Virginia Virginia Tech James Madison University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler) BASIS Chandler (Chandler) Benchmark School (Phoenix) | Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington) Spring Hill Elementary School (McLean) Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale) BASIS Chandler (Chandler) Kyrene Aprende Middle School (Chandler) | Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church) Cooper Middle School (McLean) Frost Middle School (Fairfax) |
Top 3 High Schools | BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale) BASIS Chandler (Chandler) University High School (Tucson) | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) McLean High School (McLean) Langley High School (McLean) |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix) The Gregory School (Tucson) Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley) | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) The Madeira School (McLean) Episcopal High School (Alexandria) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Veritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix) Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale) Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley) | The Potomac School (McLean) Flint Hill School (Oakton) The Madeira School (McLean) |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Chandler Unified School District Gilbert Public Schools | Fairfax County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Arlington Public Schools |
How Much Do Arizona to Virginia Movers Cost?
Moving 2,070 miles from Arizona to Virginia will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,376 | 300 ft3 | $7.92 |
1 Bedroom | $3,542 | 450 ft3 | $7.87 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,865 | 750 ft3 | $7.82 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,547 | 1100 ft3 | $7.77 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,352 | 1600 ft3 | $7.72 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,806 | 1800 ft3 | $7.67 |
Top Arizona to Virginia Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Virginia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Virginia