Michigan to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Arizona

ConsMichigan

• Long winters
• Limited sunshine
• Rustbelt economy
• Pothole roads
• High humidity

ProsArizona

• Mild winters
• Abundant sunshine
• Diverse job market
• Smooth highways
• Dry climate

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Arizona

• Arid desert views
• Scorching summers
• Lack of large lakes
• Less auto industry
• Fewer cultural hubs

Michigan

• Lush landscapes
• Four distinct seasons
• Great Lakes access
• Rich car history
• Diverse culture

Pros of moving from Michigan to Arizona

• Say goodbye to long winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from limited sunshine and moving to Arizona with abundant sunshine
• Swap the Rustbelt economy of Michigan for a diverse job market in Arizona
• Get ready for smooth highways in Arizona

Cons of moving from Michigan to Arizona

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush landscapes in Michigan to live with arid desert views in Arizona
• You'll lose out on the pro of four distinct seasons and have to settle for the con of scorching summers
• Time to bid farewell to Great Lakes access and get used to the lack of large lakes in Arizona
• Swap a rich car history for a less prominent auto industry

Michigan vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Cherry Pie of Michigan for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Coney Island Hot Dog, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Burger 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 Michigan eateries like Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, Slows Bar BQ, and Selden Standard. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Charro Café, Pizzicletta, and Bacanora.

When comparing lifestyles, Arizona shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arizona compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Arizona.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Arizona

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded lots, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like desert landscaping and solar panels.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Michigan.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Arizona has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Arizona housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63%, compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Arizona is 31.94% more expensive than in Michigan.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and Arizona

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Arizona. Arizona gets 68% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and wildfires in Arizona.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 23 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 27 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 19.2 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Arizona

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 11% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in Arizona is 11% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.54% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
• The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Michigan and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Arizona

• Michigan tends to lean swing state with a mix of both Democratic and Republican supporters in its political climate
• Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican, but recent elections show increasing Democratic support
• Arizona's religious environment can be described as having a diverse religious makeup with Christianity dominant and an increasing presence of other faith communities
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly diversified with a prominent Christian population and growing numbers of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Arizona

How Much Do Michigan to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,917 miles from Michigan to Arizona 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.