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Utah to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 543 mile interstate move from Utah to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Utah vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Fry Sauce vs Sonoran Dog), real estate & housing (prairie, craftsman vs spanish colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Utah), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fry Sauce and Utah Scones with Honey Butter, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Utah
  • Rent in Arizona is 13.64% more expensive than in Utah
  • Moving from Utah to Arizona will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Utah to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Utah to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Utah to Arizona

ConsUtah iconUtah
  • Cold winters
  • High elevation
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less diverse culture
  • State income tax
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Lower elevation
  • More affordable
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • No state income tax

Arizona iconArizona
  • No snow activities
  • Dry desert landscape
  • Lower-ranked schools
  • Higher crime rates
  • Poor air quality
Utah iconUtah
  • Great skiing spots
  • Beautiful fall colors
  • Strong education system
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Clean air quality

Pros of moving from Utah to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high elevation and moving to Arizona with lower elevation
  • Swap the higher cost of living of Utah for something more affordable in Arizona
  • Get ready for rich cultural diversity in Arizona

Cons of moving from Utah to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great skiing spots in Utah to live with no snow activities in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful fall colors and have to settle for the con of a dry desert landscape
  • Time to bid farewell to a strong education system and get used to lower-ranked schools in Arizona
  • Swap safe neighborhoods for higher crime rates

Utah vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonUtahArizona
Most iconic local food itemFry SauceSonoran Dog
Most popular meat dishUtah Scones with Honey ButterCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemNavajo TacoChimichangas
Most popular vegan foodZucchini BreadCactus Fries
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Red Iguana
  • Slugger's
  • High West Distillery
  • Pizzicletta
  • Bacanora
  • El Charro Cafe
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 Utah to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Fry Sauce of Utah for the equally delicious Sonoran Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Utah rave about their flavorful Utah Scones with Honey Butter and sumptuous Navajo Taco, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Chimichangas to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Zucchini Bread they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Cactus Fries of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Utah eateries like Red Iguana, Slugger's, and High West Distillery. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzicletta, Bacanora, and El Charro Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Utah and Arizona

ComparisonUtahArizona
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, CraftsmanSpanish Colonial, Ranch
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 listingMountain views, Close to outdoor recreationGolf course proximity, Swimming pools
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Utah is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Utah's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and proximity to outdoor recreation, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like golf course proximity and swimming pools.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arizona is less walkable than Utah.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arizona is less bike-friendly than Utah.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Utah.
  • Arizona housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Utah, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Utah’s $519,182.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 56% increase in Utah.
  • Rent in Arizona is 13.64% more expensive than in Utah.

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

ComparisonUtahArizona
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 DisastersSnowstorms, EarthquakesHeatwaves, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 20Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2013
Annual Snowfall (Inches)560.3
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Utah to Arizona. Arizona gets 26% more sunshine days than Utah.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Utah.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and earthquakes in Utah, 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 19 degrees warmer than in Utah.
  • The average winter lows are 26 degrees warmer than they are in Utah.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Utah.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Utah and Arizona

ComparisonUtahArizona
Avg. Household Income$89,168$74,568
Cost of Living Index95.75101.2
State Income Tax4.85%2.59% - 4.50%
Avg. Property Tax0.58%0.66%
Avg. Sales Tax7.19%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Mining, FinanceHealthcare, Retail, Tourism
AffluenceModerateDiverse
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 16% less than in Utah
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Utah
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.50% compared to 4.85% in UT
  • The affluence in Arizona is diverse compared to moderate affluence in Utah
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low in Utah
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Utah and noticeable in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Utah vs. Arizona

ComparisonUtahArizona
Political Make-upConservative-majorityMixed, with a slight lean towards conservative
Local PoliticsStrong GOP presenceDiverse, with both Democratic and GOP strongholds
ReligionLargely LDS (Mormon)Mixed, with large Catholic and LDS communities
  • Utah tends to lean conservative-majority in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight lean towards conservative
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as mixed with large Catholic and LDS communities
  • Utah's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely LDS (Mormon)

Education Guide When Moving from Utah to Arizona

ComparisonUtahArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Utah
Brigham Young University
Utah State University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAveson Global Leadership Academy
Alpine Academy
Beehive Science & Technology Academy
Basis Scottsdale
Basis Tucson North
Basis Oro Valley
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAcademy for Math Engineering & Science
Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science
Jefferson Academy
Basis Phoenix
Basis Ahwatukee
Basis Flagstaff
Top 3 High SchoolsItineris Early College High
Northern Utah Academy for Math Engineering & Science
Academy for Math Engineering & Science
Basis Scottsdale
Basis Chandler
Basis Tucson North
Top 3 private high schoolsRowland Hall
Waterford School
The Madeleine Choir School
Brophy College Preparatory
Xavier College Preparatory
The Gregory School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaterford School
Rowland Hall
The Madeleine Choir School
Green Fields School
Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Phoenix Country Day School
Top 3 School DistrictsPark City School District
Davis School District
Canyons School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Catalina Foothills School District
Chandler Unified School District

How Much Do Utah to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 543 miles from Utah to Arizona will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 4-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,510300 ft3$5.03
1 Bedroom$2,243450 ft3$4.98
2 Bedrooms$3,701750 ft3$4.93
3 Bedrooms$5,3731100 ft3$4.88
4 Bedrooms$7,7351600 ft3$4.83
5+ Bedrooms$8,6121800 ft3$4.78

Top Utah to Arizona Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Utah 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 Utah to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
801 Moving Company featured image

801 Moving Company

9.42/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Best of Utah Moving Company featured image

Best of Utah Moving Company

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details