Movers

Missouri to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 1,263 mile interstate move from Missouri to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity vs drier climate), food & health (like St. Louis BBQ vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs spanish, pueblo revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to St. Louis BBQ and St. Louis-style Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 77% more expensive than they are in Missouri
  • Rent in Arizona is 43.38% more expensive than in Missouri
  • Moving from Missouri to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Missouri to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Missouri to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Arizona

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Humidity
  • Severe winters
  • Missouri allergies
  • Limited desert landscapes
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Drier climate
  • Mild winters
  • Less pollen
  • Stunning desert vistas

Arizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • No social connections
  • Higher cost of living
  • Desert terrain
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Four seasons
  • Familiar network
  • Rich history
  • Green landscapes

Pros of moving from Missouri to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to humidity and hello to a drier climate
  • Look forward to moving away from severe winters and moving to Arizona with mild winters
  • Swap the Missouri allergies of Missouri for less pollen in Arizona
  • Get ready for stunning desert vistas in Arizona

Cons of moving from Missouri to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four seasons in Missouri to live with extreme summer heat in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar network and have to settle for the con of no social connections
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to a higher cost of living in Arizona
  • Swap green landscapes for desert terrain

Missouri vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMissouriArizona
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis BBQSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishSt. Louis-style RibsCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemGooey Butter CakeTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegetable Tamales
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Bogart's Smokehouse
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
  • El Guero Canelo
  • Pizzicletta
  • Welcome Chicken + Donuts
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 Missouri to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis BBQ of Missouri for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful St. Louis-style Ribs and sumptuous Gooey Butter Cake, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Tamales of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Bogart's Smokehouse, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Guero Canelo, Pizzicletta, and Welcome Chicken + Donuts.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and Arizona

ComparisonMissouriArizona
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchSpanish, Pueblo Revival
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 listingSpacious backyards, basementsSwimming pools, xeriscaped gardens
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Pueblo Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and basements, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and xeriscaped gardens.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Arizona is less walkable than Missouri.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Missouri.
  • Arizona has less of an urban feel than Missouri.
  • Arizona housing costs are 77% more expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
  • Rent in Arizona is 43.38% more expensive than in Missouri.

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

ComparisonMissouriArizona
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 DisastersTornadoes, floodsHeatwaves, wildfires
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 67Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 23Β°F68Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4213
Annual Snowfall (Inches)180.3
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Missouri to Arizona. Arizona gets 46% more sunshine days than Missouri.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Missouri.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Missouri, 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 16 degrees warmer than in Missouri.
  • The average winter lows are 23 degrees warmer than they are in Missouri.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 29 fewer inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and Arizona

ComparisonMissouriArizona
Avg. Household Income$64,811$74,568
Cost of Living Index91.8101.2
State Income Tax5.3%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%0.65%
Avg. Sales Tax8.03%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Transportation, ManufacturingTourism, Technology, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 15% more than those in Missouri
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 10% higher than what you are used to living in Missouri
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.5% compared to 5.3% in MO
  • The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate affluence in Missouri
  • The poverty level is higher in Arizona compared to moderate poverty in Missouri
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Missouri and higher in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. Arizona

ComparisonMissouriArizona
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsLocal control varies, with strong Republican presence in rural areasMix of Republican and Democratic control, significant urban and suburban Democratic presence
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant Protestant populationChristian majority, diverse religious landscape
  • Missouri tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority and a diverse religious landscape
  • Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant Protestant population

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to Arizona

ComparisonMissouriArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri
Missouri State University
University of Kansas
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMason Ridge Elementary
St. Louis; Boone Elementary
Kansas City; W.W. Keysor Elementary
Kirkwood
Knox Gifted Academy
Chandler; BASIS Chandler
Chandler; Archway Classical Academy
Scottsdale
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLadue Middle
St. Louis; Wildwood Middle
Wildwood; Crestview Middle
Ellisville
BASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale; BASIS Tucson North
Tucson; Preparatory Academy
Gilbert
Top 3 High SchoolsClayton High
Clayton; Ladue Horton Watkins High
St. Louis; Kirkwood High
Kirkwood
BASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale; University High School
Tucson; BASIS Chandler
Chandler
Top 3 private high schoolsThomas Jefferson School
St. Louis; John Burroughs School
St. Louis; The Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix; The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMICDS
St. Louis; The Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City; Christian Brothers College High School
St. Louis
Veritas Preparatory Academy
Phoenix; Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley; The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 School DistrictsClayton School District
Parkway School District
Ladue School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Catalina Foothills School District
Chandler Unified School District

How Much Do Missouri to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,263 miles from Missouri to Arizona will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,919300 ft3$6.40
1 Bedroom$2,855450 ft3$6.35
2 Bedrooms$4,721750 ft3$6.30
3 Bedrooms$6,8701100 ft3$6.25
4 Bedrooms$9,9121600 ft3$6.20
5+ Bedrooms$11,0611800 ft3$6.15

Top Missouri to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Missouri to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

9.62/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details