Movers

Wisconsin to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,677 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Chimichanga), real estate & housing (prairie and cape cod vs pueblo revival and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Arizona is 53.06% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Wisconsin to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Arizona

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • High humidity
  • Lack of desert landscapes
  • Limited sunshine
  • Higher state income tax
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Dry climate
  • Beautiful desert vistas
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Lower state income tax

Arizona iconArizona
  • Limited water sources
  • Scarce green areas
  • Need to build new community
  • No ice sports
  • Less local dairy
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Beautiful lakes
  • Forest landscapes
  • Familiar community
  • Ice fishing culture
  • Local dairy products

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Arizona with a dry climate
  • Swap the lack of desert landscapes of Wisconsin for beautiful desert vistas in Arizona
  • Get ready for abundant sunshine in Arizona

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful lakes in Wisconsin to live with limited water sources in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of forest landscapes and have to settle for the con of scarce green areas
  • Time to bid farewell to a familiar community and get used to the need to build a new community in Arizona
  • Swap the ice fishing culture for no ice sports

Wisconsin vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsChimichanga
Most popular meat dishBratwurstCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsTacos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom-based dishesBean Burritos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lynam Arms
  • Mader’s
  • Culver's
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro Cafe
  • FnB
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 Wisconsin to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom-based dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Bean Burritos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Lynam Arms, Mader’s, and Culver's. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Cafe, and FnB.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Arizona

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and Cape CodPueblo Revival and 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 listingLakeside Access, Large YardsSwimming Pools, Outdoor Kitchens
  • The Prairie and Cape Cod architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside access and large yards, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and outdoor kitchens.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Arizona is more walkable than Wisconsin.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Arizona is more bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Arizona housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Arizona is 53.06% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
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, TornadoesHeatwaves, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVaries (Urban areas can be lower)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 60Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3213
Annual Snowfall (Inches)480.3
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Arizona. Arizona gets 60% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, 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 22 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows in Arizona are 33 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 19 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Arizona

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
Avg. Household Income$70,996$74,568
Cost of Living Index95.65101.2
State Income Tax3.54% to 7.65%2.59% to 4.50%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.62%
Avg. Sales Tax5.43%8.37%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTourism, Aerospace, Technology
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyAverageBelow Average
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 5% more than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% to 4.50% compared to 3.54% to 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is below average in Arizona compared to average in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Arizona

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
Political Make-upSwing state, closely dividedTraditionally conservative, trending competitive
Local PoliticsProgressive strongholds in urban areasGrowing liberal influence in cities
ReligionPrimarily Christian, large Lutheran communityMixed, with significant Catholic population
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a swing state, closely divided in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally conservative and trending competitive
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as mixed with a significant Catholic population
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a large Lutheran community

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Arizona

ComparisonWisconsinArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School (Madison)
Pumpkin Hollow School (Milwaukee)
Lake View School (Neenah)
Basis Scottsdale
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
Archway Classical Academy (Phoenix)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhitefish Bay Middle School (Whitefish Bay)
Lakeshore Middle School (Mequon)
Lake Country School (Hartland)
Basis Chandler
Basis Peoria
Basis Oro Valley
Top 3 High SchoolsMadison West High School (Madison)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Eau Claire Memorial High School (Eau Claire)
Basis Scottsdale
Basis Tucson North
Basis Peoria
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Madison)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Madison)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
Top 3 School DistrictsMequon-Thiensville School District
Elmbrook School District
Whitefish Bay School District
Scottsdale Unified District
Catalina Foothills Unified District
Chandler Unified School District

How Much Do Wisconsin to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,677 miles from Wisconsin to Arizona will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,153300 ft3$7.18
1 Bedroom$3,207450 ft3$7.13
2 Bedrooms$5,308750 ft3$7.08
3 Bedrooms$7,7301100 ft3$7.03
4 Bedrooms$11,1641600 ft3$6.98
5+ Bedrooms$12,4691800 ft3$6.93

Top Wisconsin to Arizona Movers

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

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details