Maryland to Arizona Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Updated August 20, 2025
Planning a 2,209 mile interstate move from Maryland to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maryland vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Crab Cakes vs Sonoran Dog), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs pueblo, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maryland), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Crab Cakes and Pit Beef, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Dog & Carne Asada
- Arizona housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Maryland
- Rent in Arizona is 2.58% more expensive than in Maryland
- Moving from Maryland to Arizona will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
- Our top recommended Maryland to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

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

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Maryland to Arizona

AT Movers

AJ Moving Services LLC
Maryland to Arizona Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to Arizona
- Cold winters
- High humidity
- Dense population
- High property taxes
- Heavy traffic
- Mild winters
- Dry climate
- Spacious areas
- Lower property taxes
- Smoother commutes
- No ocean access
- Limited historical sites
- Desert landscapes
- Lacks seasonal changes
- Less cultural variety
- Beautiful coastlines
- Rich history
- Ample green spaces
- Diverse seasons
- Cultural diversity
Pros of moving from Maryland to Arizona
- Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to mild winters
- Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Arizona with a dry climate
- Swap the dense population of Maryland for spacious areas in Arizona
- Get ready for lower property taxes in Arizona
Cons of moving from Maryland to Arizona
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful coastlines in Maryland to live with no ocean access in Arizona
- You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of limited historical sites
- Time to bid farewell to ample green spaces and get used to desert landscapes in Arizona
- Swap diverse seasons for a lack of seasonal changes
Maryland vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Crab Cakes | Sonoran Dog |
Most popular meat dish | Pit Beef | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Soft Shell Crab Sandwich | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Crab Cakes | Jackfruit Tacos |
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 Maryland to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Crab Cakes of Maryland for the equally delicious Sonoran Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Pit Beef and sumptuous Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Crab Cakes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Phillips Seafood, Bertha's Mussels, and Charm City Cakes. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Charro CafΓ©, Pizzeria Bianco, and Durant's.
When comparing lifestyles, Arizona shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Maryland. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arizona compared to what you are used to in Maryland. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Arizona.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and Arizona
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Pueblo, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, proximity to water | Outdoor living spaces, desert landscapes |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
- Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and proximity to water, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor living spaces and desert landscapes.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Arizona is less walkable than Maryland.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Maryland.
- Arizona has less of an urban feel than Maryland.
- Arizona housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Marylandβs $414,972.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
- Rent in Arizona is 2.58% more expensive than in Maryland.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Maryland and Arizona
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
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 | Hurricanes, Nor'easters | Wildfires, Monsoons |
Air Quality | Varies locally | Generally good, varies by area |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 66Β°F | 104Β°F / 81Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 42Β°F / 29Β°F | 67Β°F / 46Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 44 | 13 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 20.5 | 0.3 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maryland to Arizona. Arizona gets 40% more sunshine days than Maryland.
- Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maryland.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and monsoons in Arizona.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 19 degrees warmer than in Maryland.
- The average winter lows are 17 degrees warmer than they are in Maryland.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 31 fewer inches of rain compared to Maryland.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and Arizona
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,991 | $74,568 |
Cost of Living Index | 124.95 | 101.2 |
State Income Tax | 2% - 5.75% | 2.59% - 4.54% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.10% | 0.62% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 5.6% |
Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Biotech, IT | Tourism, Mining, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Medium |
Homelessness | Minor | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 21% less than in Maryland
- The COLI in Arizona will be 19% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
- The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.54% compared to 2% - 5.75% in MD
- The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to high in Maryland
- The poverty level is medium in Arizona compared to low in Maryland
- In terms of homelessness, it is minor in Maryland and moderate in Arizona
Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. Arizona
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning; Democrats hold most statewide offices and strong legislative majorities; solidly blue in recent federal elections. | Highly competitive swing state; split government is common (Democratic governor, GOP-leaning legislature in recent years); close statewide races with many independents. |
Local Politics | Urban/suburban counties (e.g., Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore area) favor progressive policies; rural regions trend more conservative; focus on transportation, education, public safety, and Chesapeake Bay/environment; counties manage many services; Baltimore City is an independent jurisdiction. | Maricopa County (Phoenix metro) drives statewide outcomes; Phoenix/Tucson lean more liberal, many suburbs and rural areas more conservative; frequent citizen initiatives; focus on water management, growth/housing, transportation, and border-related coordination; county sheriffs and special districts are influential. |
Religion | Diverse faith landscape; large Christian population with notable Catholic and mainline Protestant communities; growing unaffiliated segment; active Jewish and Muslim communities, especially in metro areas. | Predominantly Christian with strong evangelical and Catholic presence; sizable Latter-day Saint community (notably in the Phoenix East Valley and parts of northern/eastern AZ); meaningful unaffiliated segment; additional traditions present across urban areas and tribal nations. |
- Maryland tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a highly competitive swing state with split government being common, including a Democratic governor and GOP-leaning legislature in recent years, and close statewide races with many independents.
- Arizona's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with a strong evangelical and Catholic presence, a sizable Latter-day Saint community notably in the Phoenix East Valley and parts of northern and eastern Arizona, a meaningful unaffiliated segment, and additional traditions present across urban areas and tribal nations.
- Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse faith landscape with a large Christian population, notable Catholic and mainline Protestant communities, a growing unaffiliated segment, and active Jewish and Muslim communities, especially in metro areas.
Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Arizona
Comparison | Maryland | Arizona |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Maryland College Park (College Park); Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore); Towson University (Towson) | Arizona State University (Tempe); University of Arizona (Tucson); Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff) |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Stone Mill Elementary School (North Potomac); Ilchester Elementary School (Ellicott City); Bells Mill Elementary School (Potomac) | Cochise Elementary School (Scottsdale); Mesquite Elementary School (Tucson); Safford K-8 School (Tucson) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Robert Frost Middle School (Rockville); Easton Middle School (Easton); Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda) | BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale); Orange Grove Middle School (Tucson); Explorer Middle School (Phoenix) |
Top 3 High Schools | Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda); Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville); Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Bethesda) | BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale); University High School (Tucson); Chaparral High School (Scottsdale) |
Top 3 private high schools | McDonogh School (Owings Mills); Gilman School (Baltimore); Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Olney) | Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley); Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix); Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Bryn Mawr School (Baltimore); The Park School of Baltimore (Baltimore); Bullis School (Potomac) | Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley); BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale); All Saints' Episcopal Day School (Phoenix) |
Top 3 School Districts | Howard County Public Schools; Montgomery County Public Schools; Worcester County Public Schools | Scottsdale Unified School District; Catalina Foothills Unified District (Tucson); Chandler Unified District #80 (Chandler) |
How Much Do Maryland to Arizona Movers Cost?
Moving 2,209 miles from Maryland to Arizona will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,455 | 300 ft3 | $8.18 |
1 Bedroom | $3,660 | 450 ft3 | $8.13 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,062 | 750 ft3 | $8.08 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,836 | 1100 ft3 | $8.03 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,772 | 1600 ft3 | $7.98 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,279 | 1800 ft3 | $7.93 |