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Moving from Virginia to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 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
Virginia
101.1
Arizona
100.7
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Arizona
106.8
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Arizona
100.2
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Arizona
100.1
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 8.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Arizona
100.1
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 5.6% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Arizona is 6.8% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Virginia
87°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 21% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 54% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 11% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Arizona
286
Arizona has 38% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 70% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Arizona
48
Arizona has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 33% less annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaArizona report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona than Virginia?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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