Over 256,000 people moved to Arizona in 2024. Moving to Arizona means trading routine for new opportunities. With a low 2.5% income tax, over 170,000 job openings, and 300 days of sunshine, Arizona offers a blend of work and an active lifestyle.
Ready to make your move, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve done the homework, so you don’t have to. This guide provides everything from job advice to local tips to ensure your move to Arizona is quick, easy, and stress-free.
👉 Arizona Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Arizona today!
AT A GLANCE:
- Pro-business environment with a flat 2.5% income tax, 4.9% corporate tax, and attractive job creation incentives.
- Home to top-ranked public universities like Arizona State University, and offers generous merit scholarships.
- Cost of living is about 18% above the national average, but the state offsets it with low taxes and quality of life perks.
- After moving to Arizona, you have a 10-day deadline for a driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- The Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona, offers stunning desert landscapes and endless recreation.
4 Reasons to Move to Arizona
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Arizona, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Job Opportunities
Arizona’s job market is projected to add 67,079 new job openings by 2026. This translates to major growth in healthcare (2.8%), construction (1.7%), and education (0.7%) sectors.
Plus, Arizona’s tech and aerospace sectors are booming—TSMC alone is investing $65 billion in the Greater Phoenix area. The project, after its completion, is expected to add 62000 new jobs.
2. Pro-Business Policies
Arizona offers a low corporate tax of 4.9%. No wonder it ranks as the 9th best state to do business. Moreover, Arizona now has a flat 2.5% income tax for all residents, and people earning under $14,600 (or $29,200 for couples) don’t need to file a state income tax return.
Besides the low personal income tax rate, the Grand Canyon State also provides several other incentives to help businesses grow. This includes the Quality Jobs Tax Credit to employers, which offers up to $9,000 for each new job created.
3. Education and Schools
Arizona offers strong higher education options, with top public universities like Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. Additionally, the average in-state tuition for ASU is $13,277 per year.
Arizona State University (ASU) nationally ranks #1 as the most innovative public university in the country. Plus, Arizona’s public universities offer merit scholarships up to $12,500/year, based on GPA, test scores, and academic performance.
4. Climate and Recreation
Arizona has an arid climate. The state typically has 300+ sunny days a year. Summer temperatures can go as high as 120°F. On the other hand, winters can be as low as 71°F.
Arizona has its fair share of extreme weather, including droughts and dust storms, so having valid hazard insurance is a smart move. But it also offers stunning landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Sedona, plus endless outdoor activities to enjoy year-round.
Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to AZ:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Flat income tax of just 2.5% that helps keep more money in your pocket. | 1. Prices are rising fast in popular areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale. |
| 2. The state gets 300+ sunny days, Ideal for outdoors and recreation. | 2. Dust Storms & Wildfires can affect air quality and visibility during certain seasons. |
| 3. Strong job market with over 170,000 job openings in tech, healthcare, and logistics. | 3. The public transit is limited to urban areas. A car is essential outside major cities. |
| 4. The state has stunning landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, mountains, and the Sonoran Desert. | 4. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 110°F, especially in Phoenix. |
| 5. The state has no tax on Social Security income and is a popular retirement destination. | 5. The state faces Water Shortages, and ongoing droughts raise concerns about the future water supply. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Arizona ✅
Before moving to Arizona, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions in the Arizona housing market.
- Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration: After moving to Arizona, you have exactly 10 days to register your vehicle and obtain an Arizona license. For the registration, you will need Arizona auto insurance, and the vehicle needs to clear the emission test.
- Gun Carrying Laws: Adults over 21 years of age can carry a gun openly or concealed without a permit. However, having a permit helps when visiting other states or carrying in places that serve alcohol. Guns are not allowed in schools, government buildings.
- Pet Rules: All dogs older than 3 months must be licensed by your county every year and show proof of rabies vaccination. Cats don’t need a license in most Arizona counties, but some places (like Pima County) require rabies vaccination.
- Also, keep in mind: Dogs must be kept on a leash in public. Plus, if your dog bites someone, you’re legally responsible. Arizona law allows individuals to break a car window to rescue a pet in distress due to heat.
Cost of Living in Arizona
The cost of living in Arizona is around 18% higher than the national average. This simply means you pay more for your daily expenses, but many find it a fair trade-off for the quality of life.
Additionally, the state offers financial perks like a flat 2.5% income tax, no tax on Social Security, and low property taxes. These help set off the higher cost of living, especially for those on fixed or flexible incomes.
How to Move to Arizona?
If you are already thinking there is a lot to consider, don’t worry! Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Arizona seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
Keep in mind: moving often costs more than you expect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- If you don’t want the hassle and want to hire professional movers, a typical Arizona mover costs around $85[3] per hour. However, this rate may change based on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to save and decide to do it yourself, renting a mid-sized truck is a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80[4] per day.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Here is how to set up your utilities before relocating to Arizona:
- Electricity and Gas: For electricity, most of the Arizona residents depend on major providers like APS (Arizona Public Service) or SRP (Salt River Project). You will need a valid ID, proof of residence, and your Social Security Number to set up.
- Water & Sewer: Water services are usually handled by your city or town’s utility department. Visit your city’s website or office with your ID and proof of residency in Arizona. Also, don’t forget to check the water conservation rules for your city.
- Internet and Cable: Popular internet providers in Arizona include Cox and CenturyLink. Scheduling installation 2-3 weeks before your moving date can ensure your internet is ready when you arrive.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most of the schools offer online registration for your kids. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started.
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Children must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten, or 6 for the first standard. You will typically need documents like birth certificates and immunization records.
- For Older Students: For the older students, you need the above documents, plus transcripts and a withdrawal from the current school.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers between the districts and schools are usually managed by the local school districts. If your child has special education needs or is transferring mid-year, contact the district directly for specific instructions.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you work remotely, check with your employer if they follow state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: Arizona’s job market is expanding in tech, healthcare, education, construction, and solar energy. You can explore platforms like Indeed, Arizona Job Connection, and city job boards.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
Housing costs in the Grand Canyon State can vary depending on your location.
- Monthly rents in Arizona cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson typically range between $200 – $27,300[2], depending on your location and nearby amenities.
- If you’re looking to buy a home, Scottsdale offers an upscale lifestyle with a median housing price of $854K[2]. While cities like Tucson and Mesa offer affordable housing, with median house prices of $333K and $445K, respectively.
Should I Move to Arizona?
Yes, you should definitely move to Arizona. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Arizona isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Arizona’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Arizona is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Source
To help you make a smart move to Arizona, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices, Median home prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Arizona, long before the moving boxes are packed.
