Virginia to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Arizona

ConsVirginia

• High humidity
• Heavy traffic
• Hurricane risk
• Costly living
• Limited desert landscapes

ProsArizona

• Dry climate
• Smoother commutes
• No hurricanes
• Lower cost of living
• Beautiful desert views

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Arizona

• Lacks historic sites
• Hot summers
• Scarce greenery
• Landlocked state
• Far from capital

Virginia

• Historic charm
• Rich seasons
• Greenery and forests
• Coastal access
• Proximity to D.C.

Pros of moving from Virginia to Arizona

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to dry climate
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Arizona with smoother commutes
• Swap the hurricane risk of Virginia for no hurricanes in Arizona
• Get ready for a lower cost of living in Arizona

Cons of moving from Virginia to Arizona

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from historic charm in Virginia to live with a lack of historic sites in Arizona
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich seasons and have to settle for the con of hot summers
• Time to bid farewell to greenery and forests and get used to scarce greenery in Arizona
• Swap coastal access for a landlocked state

Virginia vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Pulled Pork and sumptuous Oyster Po'Boy, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-Based Barbecue they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Cactus Salad of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Llanerito, and Lee Dynasty. 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, Pizzeria Bianco, and The Mission.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Arizona

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and waterfront, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like pools and desert landscapes.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Arizona is less walkable than Virginia.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Arizona is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
• Arizona has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
• Arizona housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in Arizona is 4.56% more expensive than in Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to Arizona. Arizona gets 40% more sunshine days than Virginia.
• Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and droughts in Arizona.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 19 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
• The average winter lows are NaN degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 31 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Arizona

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 13% less than in Virginia
• The COLI in Arizona is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
• The state income tax in AZ is 4.50% compared to 5.75% in VA
• The affluence in Arizona is lower compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
• The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to lower poverty in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Virginia and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Arizona

• Virginia tends to lean a swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican areas in its political climate
• Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as largely considered a swing state as of recent elections
• Arizona's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with Christianity being the largest followed by non-Christian faiths
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant with Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Arizona

How Much Do Virginia to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 2,070 miles from Virginia to Arizona will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.