Moving to Arizona? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, which includes desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and canyons, as well as its vibrant cities and rich cultural history.

If you are considering moving to Arizona, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Arizona Facts:

• Population: 7.276 million (2021)
• Official Language: English
• GDP Per Capita: $63,003 (2022)
• Random Fact: There are 22 national parks and monuments in Arizona
• Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Arizona

From State	Moving Cost to Arizona (Estimated)
Texas	$638 – $7,000
Florida	$3,500 – $10,000
New York	$3,500 – $9,500
Pennsylvania	$1,433 – $8,000
Illinois	$1,023 – $6,660
Ohio	$1,800 – $11,599
Georgia	$1,274 – $7,916
North Carolina	$1,299 – $7,513
Michigan	$3,553 – $11,506
Oregon	$884 – $8,000

The costs are estimated and can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the household, distance, and additional services required. It’s advisable to get personalized quotes from moving companies for more accurate figures.

Also have a look at these Arizona moving companies.

2. Arizona Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Arizona varies greatly depending on the location.

Monthly Rental Prices in Arizona:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,750+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,470+
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,810+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,395+ 

Arizona Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $3,180+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,480+

Arizona Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Arizona compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 30.6% more expensive
• New York is 52.3% more expensive
• Los Angeles is 34.1% more expensive
• Toronto is 3.8% more expensive
• Sydney is 16.5% more expensive
• Paris is 9.7% cheaper
• Dubai is 2% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room, Roomies.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: The range of rental and house purchase prices in Arizona varies greatly depending on the location, with urban areas such as Phoenix and Tucson generally having higher prices than rural areas. In downtown areas, the cost of living tends to be higher due to the proximity to amenities and job opportunities, while suburban and rural areas tend to have more affordable housing options.
  

3. Arizona Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Arizona has a rich culinary scene that combines traditional Southwestern flavours with international influences. Some popular food and drink trends in Arizona include farm-to-table dining, craft beer and cocktail culture, and the use of locally-sourced ingredients. Some famous foods to be aware of include Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, prickly pear fruit and products, and Arizona wines.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.00
•  Takeout Coffee: $5.20
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.50
•  1L of Milk: $0.80
•  Loaf of Bread: $3.15
•  12 Eggs: $4.70
•  1kg Chicken: $12.00
•  1kg Beef: $14.80
•  1kg Apples: $4.50
•  1kg White Rice: $4.00

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 8.8% more expensive and groceries are 22% cheaper than Arizona.
• New York restaurants are 22% more expensive and groceries are 29.3% more expensive than Arizona.
• Los Angeles restaurants are 16.8% more expensive and groceries are 10% more expensive than Arizona.
• Toronto restaurants are 2.6% cheaper and groceries are 1.6% cheaper than Arizona.
• Sydney restaurants are 3.7 cheaper and groceries are 10.8% more expensive than Arizona. 
• Paris restaurants are 9.6% cheaper and groceries are 8.9% more expensive than Arizona.
• Dubai restaurants are 9.1% cheaper and groceries are 43.5% cheaper than Arizona.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: In Arizona, there are various farmers’ markets that offer fresh produce and locally made products, such as the Phoenix Public Market and the Uptown Farmers Market. In terms of supermarkets, there is a range from discount stores such as Walmart and Aldi to more upscale options like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
• Find Cheap Eats: Arizona has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor, Wander Log.

4. Arizona Alcohol Costs

Arizona, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.70
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $4.00
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00

How To Drink For Less in Arizona:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at Yelp and AZ Family.

5. Arizona Transportation Fares

Public transport in Arizona varies by location, with urban areas such as Phoenix having more robust transit systems than rural areas. In cities like Phoenix, public transportation options include buses, light rail, and commuter trains, but access to public transportation can be limited in some suburban and rural areas.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $2.30
• One-day ticket – $5.00
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $64.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Arizona likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Arizona

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

• Pair of Jeans: $46.00
• Summer Dress: $38.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $83.00
• Business Shoes: $99.00
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $149.00
• Deodorant: $5.00
• Shampoo: $5.20
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $5.10
• Gym Membership: $35.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.50

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Arizona

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Arizona. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Arizona from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Arizona:

• Volkswagen Golf: $26,000+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.10

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Arizona:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Yelp.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Arizona

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax rate in Arizona varies by city and county, with the state sales tax rate set at 5.6%. However, local municipalities and counties can add their own sales tax on top of the state rate. As a result, the total sales tax rate in Arizona can range from 5.6% to 11.2%.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Arizona you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Arizona

If you do make the move to Arizona, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

• London: $350
• New York: $110
• Los Angeles: $60
• Toronto: $120
• Vancouver: $100
• Dubai: $750
• Sydney: $500
• Melbourne: $560
• Cape Town: $730
• Hong Kong: $800

Other Tips on Moving to Arizona:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Arizona but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Arizona Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Arizona.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Arizona always has something going on. Have a look at Visit Arizona and Visit Pheonix.

12. Moving to Arizona with a Family

Arizona can be a family-friendly location, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and family-friendly attractions. Many areas of the state also have good schools and a relatively low cost of living. The crime rate in Arizona varies by location, but overall, it is considered to be a relatively safe state.

• New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Arizona Maternity Clinic.
• Live in a Family-friendly Area: Arizona has many family-friendly areas to live, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Gilbert is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, with top-rated schools, low crime rates, and a thriving downtown area with shops and restaurants.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Arizona. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor, Family Destinations Guide.

13. Moving to Arizona for Work

While it is possible to move to Arizona without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Arizona’s economy is diverse and includes industries such as healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and technology. The current unemployment rate in Arizona is approximately 4.9% as of March 2023, slightly lower than the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Salary Expert and Pay Scale.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster, Indeed and AZ State Jobs. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Arizona from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Arizona, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: In Australia, a similarly sized area would be the state of Victoria, which has a land area of approximately 227,010 square kilometres.
• Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Arizona from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Arizona. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The city of Ottawa, Canada’s capital, covers an area of around 2,800 square kilometres. Although it is much smaller than Arizona, it is one of the largest cities in Canada by land area.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Arizona from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Arizona. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The total area of Arizona is approximately 295,234 square kilometres, while the total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 square kilometres. This means that Arizona is larger than the United Kingdom by about 21%.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Arizona, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Arizona you can start by comparing moving quotes here.