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Moving from Wisconsin to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

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
Wisconsin
94.1
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 7.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 35% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
Arizona
100.2
Arizona has 1.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 17% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.3% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 45% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Arizona is 44% more expensive 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
Wisconsin
81°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 30% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 378% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 40% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Arizona
286
Arizona has 52% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
Arizona
48
Arizona has 20% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 80% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinArizona 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 Wisconsin?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% 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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