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Moving from Arizona to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 42% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Arizona
95.4
Alabama
96.4
Alabama has 1.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.4 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 12% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 2.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 45% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Alabama
$1,077/mo
Alabama is 36% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 13% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 19% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 1.1% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
211
Alabama
213
Alabama has 0.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 315% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
43
Alabama
50
Alabama has 16% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
1 in
Alabama
1 in

Get the full ArizonaAlabama report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Arizona?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alabama?

Most Alabama residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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