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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 · 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
Virginia
101.1
Arizona
100.7
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Arizona
106.8
Groceries index
Virginia
100.4
Arizona
95.4
Arizona has 5.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Arizona
100.1
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.4 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 11% 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
$1,646/mo
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Arizona is 1.6% more expensive 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
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
211
Arizona has 1.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 70% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Arizona
43
Arizona has 4.9% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Virginia
0
Arizona
1
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, and a 90-day move 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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