Moving to Arizona: Essential Guide for you

Thinking About Moving to Arizona?

If you’re dreaming of sunshine, gorgeous desert views, and the kind of weather that lets you wear shorts in January, Arizona might already be on your radar. And hey, there’s a lot to love! From big cities with plenty to do, to quiet towns tucked between red rock canyons, the Grand Canyon State has options.

But before you decide to load up a moving truck and head southwest, let’s walk through what life in Arizona really looks like in 2025—from how much things cost, to where people love living, to those little quirks you don’t find out until after you move.

What’s It Gonna Cost to Live in Arizona?

Let’s be honest, Arizona used to be a steal. These days? It’s not exactly cheap, but compared to places like California, it still feels like a deal.

Housing

• The average home price across the state is about $425,000.
• In Phoenix, it jumps to $480K.
• Want something more affordable? Check out Tucson, where homes average around $330K.
• Renting a one-bedroom apartment? You’re looking at about $1,200–$1,600/month.

Bills & Basics

• Expect utilities like electricity and water to cost between $150–$200/month.
• Internet runs around $60–$75/month.
• Groceries aren’t crazy expensive, but they’re not super cheap either—especially in summer when everyone’s cranking up the A/C.

Getting Around

• Gas is sitting around $4.10 a gallon.
• And yeah, car insurance is a little pricier here, especially around the cities.

So, while Arizona isn’t a budget wonderland anymore, your dollar still stretches a bit further than it would in a bigger, coastal city.

Taxes: Not Too Bad

Taxes in Arizona are pretty chill—not rock-bottom low, but nothing too painful either.

• Income tax falls between 2.59% and 4.5%, depending on how much you make.
• Sales tax is technically 5.6%, but most places add a local chunk, so you’ll end up paying around 8–10%.
• Property tax is nice and low—about 0.62%, which is great news if you’re buying a home.
• Gas tax is already included in pump prices, so no surprises there.

Where Should You Live?

Arizona has way more variety than people give it credit for. You’ve got cities, mountains, small towns, desert getaways—you name it.

Phoenix

Biggest city, tons of job opportunities, and growing like crazy. It's got everything from skyscrapers to suburban neighborhoods.

Tucson

A little more artsy, a little more laid-back. College town vibes, great sunsets, and a growing foodie scene.

Flagstaff

Way up in the mountains, so it’s actually cool in the summer and snowy in winter. If you’re not a desert person, this might be your place.

Scottsdale

Fancy, polished, and full of golf courses and spas. A popular spot for retirees and people who want a touch of luxury.

Sedona & Prescott

Want peace, red rocks, and a spiritual vibe? Sedona’s your spot. Prescott’s a smaller, historic town that feels like a throwback in the best way.

How Do You Get Around?

In most of Arizona, you’re gonna need a car. Cities are spread out and public transportation just doesn’t cover enough ground.

• Driving is the norm, especially in Phoenix where everything is spaced out.
• Traffic exists, especially during rush hour, but it’s not as wild as LA or New York.
• Public transit in Phoenix includes light rail and buses (Valley Metro), and Tucson has a decent bus system and streetcar.
• Air travel is easy from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, with regional options in Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma.

Bottom line: if you don’t like driving, you might need to rethink where in Arizona you settle.

The Good Stuff About Arizona

Here’s what people fall in love with when they move to Arizona:

Sunshine, Every. Single. Day.

• Most cities get 300+ days of sunshine a year.
• It’s great for outdoor lovers and anyone tired of cold, gray winters.

Natural Beauty That’ll Blow You Away

• Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley—it’s stunning.
• You’ve got hikes, lakes, red rocks, and even ski slopes in the north.

Great for Retirees

• Warm weather, low property taxes, and a ton of 55+ communities.

A Growing Job Market

• Industries like tech, healthcare, solar energy, and construction are booming.
• Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Let’s not sugarcoat it, there are a few downsides to life in Arizona.

The Heat is Intense

• In summer, Phoenix and Yuma can hit 110°F or more. It’s no joke.
• You’ll be indoors a lot during July and August, and your power bill will show it.

Dust Storms and Dry Air

• Yep, dust storms are real. They’re called “haboobs” and they look like something out of a movie.
• Dry air means lots of lotion, and don’t be surprised if your nose gets dry too.

Creepy Critters

• Scorpions, snakes, spiders—they’re around, especially in suburban and rural areas.

Sprawling Cities

• Everything is spread out, so errands can take longer than you’d think.
• Public transportation won’t get you everywhere you need to go.

Water Worries

• Water is a serious issue here. Conservation is a big deal, and some areas have already started restricting water usage.

Conclusion: Is Arizona Your Next Move?

Arizona can be an amazing place to live—if you’re cool with the heat and love a laid-back, sunny lifestyle. It’s got job opportunities, incredible nature, and a slower pace that feels like a breath of fresh air (unless you’re stuck in a dust storm).

Sure, it’s not perfect. You’ll need a car, and the summers are no jokes. But for a lot of people, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

So, if you’re thinking about making the move, here’s the plan: Visit. Explore a few cities. Talk to locals. Get a feel for the vibe. You might just find that Arizona isn’t just a good idea, it’s your next home.