Arizona to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Updated August 20, 2025
Planning a 1,679 mile interstate move from Arizona to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like scorching summer heat vs cooler summer highs), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, ranch vs craftsman, farmhouse), 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 Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
- Wisconsin housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Wisconsin is 34.67% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to Wisconsin movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Top Arizona to Wisconsin Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Wisconsin movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Wisconsin

Elite Movers

AAA Soto's Moving
Arizona to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Wisconsin
- Scorching summer heat
- Water scarcity
- Dust storms
- High UV index
- Limited fall colors
- Sparse natural lakes
- Monsoon season hazards
- Dusty brown landscapes
- Prickly desert yards
- Wildfire season smoke
- High cooling bills
- Heat limits outdoors
- Venomous critters
- Limited water recreation
- Long drives to forests
- Cooler summer highs
- Abundant freshwater
- Fewer dust storms
- Lower UV index
- Vibrant fall foliage
- Many natural lakes
- No monsoon season
- Lush green scenery
- Soft grassy yards
- Lower wildfire risk
- Lower summer cooling
- Pleasant summer outdoors
- Fewer venomous critters
- Plentiful lake activities
- Nearby state forests
- Harsh, snowy winters
- Cloudier winter days
- Humid summer air
- Heavy snow shoveling
- Shorter hiking season
- Short golf season
- Higher income tax
- Mosquito-prone summers
- Icy winter roads
- Brief pool season
- Short patio season
- Lake effect snow
- More lawn watering
- Bulky winter gear
- Mild winter weather
- Abundant sunshine
- Low humidity
- Minimal snowfall
- Year-round hiking
- Long golf season
- Lower income tax
- Fewer mosquitoes
- Dry winter roads
- Warm pool season
- Outdoor patio dining
- No lake effect
- Low yard watering
- Lightweight wardrobes
Pros of moving from Arizona to Wisconsin
- Say goodbye to scorching summer heat and hello to cooler summer highs
- Look forward to moving away from water scarcity and moving to Wisconsin with abundant freshwater
- Swap the dust storms of Arizona for fewer dust storms in Wisconsin
- Get ready for a lower UV index in Wisconsin
Cons of moving from Arizona to Wisconsin
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winter weather in Arizona to live with harsh snowy winters in Wisconsin
- You'll lose out on the pro of abundant sunshine and have to settle for the con of cloudier winter days
- Time to bid farewell to low humidity and get used to humid summer air in Wisconsin
- Swap minimal snowfall for heavy snow shoveling
Arizona vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Cheese Curds |
Most popular meat dish | Carne asada | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fried Cheese Curds |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | Vegan Cheese Options |
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds 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 Vegan Cheese Options of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like El Charro CafΓ©, Pizzicletta, and FnB. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Kettle Moraine Cafe, Mader's, and Culver's.
When comparing lifestyles, Wisconsin shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Wisconsin compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Wisconsin.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Wisconsin
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Farmhouse |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pools, Outdoor Kitchens | Fireplaces, Large Yards |
- The Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Farmhouse architecture typical of Wisconsin.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and outdoor kitchens, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like fireplaces and large yards.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wisconsin is less walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Wisconsin is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Wisconsin housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased 47% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Wisconsin is 34.67% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Wisconsin
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
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, Dust Storms | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F / 83Β°F | 82Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F / 46Β°F | 28Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 inches | 32 inches |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 inches (Low Elevations) | 48 inches |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 34% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 24 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 33 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 19 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Wisconsin
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 2.5% | 7.65% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.72% | 1.68% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.4% | 5.4% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Technology, Tourism | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Managing | Concerned |
Homelessness | Rising | Stable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 5% less than in Arizona
- The COLI in Wisconsin is 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 2.5% in AZ
- The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate in Arizona
- The poverty level is concerning in Wisconsin compared to managing in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is rising in Arizona and stable in Wisconsin
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Wisconsin
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Slightly Liberal |
Local Politics | Varies by region; urban areas lean liberal, while rural zones tend conservative | Political landscape is diverse; Milwaukee and Madison are liberal, whereas rural areas lean conservative |
Religion | Christianity predominant, with a significant non-religious population | Largely Christian, with a variety of other religions represented |
- Arizona tends to lean moderately Conservative in its political climate
- Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as slightly Liberal
- Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as largely Christian, with a variety of other religions represented
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a significant non-religious population
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Wisconsin
Comparison | Arizona | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University Tempe University of Arizona Tucson Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Marquette University Milwaukee University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Basis Scottsdale Scottsdale Arizona College Prep Chandler Knox Gifted Academy Chandler | Madison Elementary School Madison Lodi Elementary School Lodi Geneva Elementary School Lake Geneva |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Peoria Peoria Arizona School for the Arts Phoenix Great Hearts Academies - Veritas Prep Phoenix | Lincoln Middle School Madison Whitefish Bay Middle School Whitefish Bay Maple Dale Middle School Fox Point |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale Scottsdale University High School Tucson Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep Chandler | Whitefish Bay High School Whitefish Bay Arrowhead High School Hartland Cedarburg High School Cedarburg |
Top 3 private high schools | Phoenix Country Day School Paradise Valley The Gregory School Tucson Xavier College Preparatory Phoenix | Brookfield Academy Brookfield University School of Milwaukee Milwaukee Marquette University High School Milwaukee |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Phoenix Country Day School Paradise Valley The Gregory School Tucson Rancho Solano Preparatory School Scottsdale | University School of Milwaukee Milwaukee The Prairie School Wind Point St. John's Northwestern Academies Delafield |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Scottsdale Chandler Unified School District No. 80 Chandler Gilbert Public Schools Gilbert | Elmbrook School District Brookfield Whitefish Bay School District Whitefish Bay Cedarburg School District Cedarburg |
How Much Do Arizona to Wisconsin Movers Cost?
Moving 1,679 miles from Arizona to Wisconsin will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,154 | 300 ft3 | $7.18 |
1 Bedroom | $3,209 | 450 ft3 | $7.13 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,311 | 750 ft3 | $7.08 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,734 | 1100 ft3 | $7.03 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,170 | 1600 ft3 | $6.98 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,476 | 1800 ft3 | $6.93 |