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Moving from Massachusetts to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

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

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

Arizona has an overall price level 100.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 4.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 17% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
Arizona
95.4
Arizona has 3.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 47% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 30% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Arizona is 9.5% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 28% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 95% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 69% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
Arizona
211
Arizona has 349% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 71% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
Arizona
43
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
Arizona
1
Arizona has 96% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
10 in

Get the full MassachusettsArizona 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 Arizona than Massachusetts?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% income tax. Arizona tops out at 2.5%.

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

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

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