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Arizona and California are both located in the western region of the United States. They share the similar boundary of the Colorado River and have several similarities such as breathtaking landscapes and great weather. However, they also differ in many areas. These include size, population, lifestyle, and most importantly, cost of living. So, is it cheaper to live in Arizona or California?
Is It Cheaper to Live in Arizona Than in California?
It is significantly cheaper to live in Arizona than in California. In fact, California ranks amongst the top three on the list of most expensive states in the USA, while Arizona comes much later on the list. This difference is a result of several factors, including housing costs, feeding costs, tax rates, population, and economy.
An individual living in Arizona needs an average of $57,000 annually to live comfortably, compared to an average income of $75,000 required by a person living in California. This difference makes it so much harder for low and average-income earners to live comfortably in CA.
Why is It Cheaper to Live in Arizona Than in California?
Several factors are responsible for the difference in the cost of living in these two states. Some of these factors range from the infrastructure in place to the various activities carried out in both states. However, the most common factors that impact the cost of living include tax rate and property costs:
Cost of Buying Homes
The average price of buying a home in a state is one of the major factors that determine whether it would have a higher or lower cost of living when compared to other states. Several real estate market researches have shown that the average cost of building a house and required down payment for a home is considerably lower in Arizona than in California.
Cost of Rental Property
Arizona is quite cheap for individuals who want to lease a property. The prices vary in the different cities within the states. However, the average rental price in Arizona is $1500, which is considerably lower than California’s average cost of $2200. When it comes to affordability there are some really good options, you may want to have a look at the cheapest places to live in Arizona.
Tax Rate
When comparing tax rates between both states, the tax rates in California blow right through the roof. As of 2022, single taxpayers in California pay as high as 10% with the rates increasing as the salary levels increase. However, the reverse is the case in Arizona with a decent tax rate of 2.59 – 4.50%.
Transportation
California is famous for its congested traffic with commuters spending long hours trying to go about their daily activities. This ultimately culminates in an increase in gas and transport fees. On the contrary, Arizona has a better traffic flow, thus, residents have an easy time commuting from place to place.
Benefits of Living in Arizona
California may offer a generally faster-paced lifestyle and plenty of excitement. However, there is traffic congestion and a large population to deal with. Arizona on the other hand allows you a less fast urban lifestyle with lots of benefits like a natural ecosystem and an excellent educational system. Not to mention the cost of living in Arizona is much more affordable.
Rich Natural Ecosystem
Arizona ranks top on the list of states with numerous tourist attractions. With breathtaking views, mountainous landscapes, abundant wildlife, natural parks, and lakes straight out of a movie, Arizona is a place to visit. The Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world alone, attracts an average of 5 million tourists annually. Other visit-worthy places include:
- Lake Powell
- Havasupai Falls
- Meteor Crater
- Antelope Canyon
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Horseshoe Bend
- The Red Rocks of Sedona
First-Rate Educational System
Arizona is home to many top-rated and standard schools such as the University of Arizona, North Arizona University, Arizona State University, and a host of other private universities. Arizona ranks 14th in the federal public educational system and in 2018, had a 78.7% ranking of public high school students graduating on time.
Lower Cost of Living
Arizona is generally more affordable than California. Housing costs, utilities, and transportation expenses are significantly lower.
Leisure and Social Interactions
Arizona provides ample outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Cities like Phoenix and Tucson have a thriving cultural scene with museums, theaters, and music festivals.
Economic Security and Lower Crime Rate
Arizona offers a lower unemployment rate and a growing job market. The crime rate is comparable to national averages, while some California cities have higher crime rates.
Overall Experience of Life
Life in Arizona is more affordable and less crowded. California, while more expensive, provides more career opportunities and a dynamic lifestyle.
Other Benefits of Living in Arizona Include:
- Rising economy
- Variety of outdoor activities to engage in
- Lots of job opportunities
- Ease of living
- High level of security
- Lower population than California, which is great for people who are not big fans of the loudness and rowdiness that come with more populous states
- Lower taxes, including property and income tax.
Should You Move From Arizona to California?
Moving depends on factors like job opportunities, lifestyle, and cost of living. California has more economic prospects but higher expenses.
Least Expensive Places to Live in Arizona
- Tucson
- Yuma
- Sierra Vista
- Prescott
- Kingman
Should You Move From California to Arizona?
Arizona is ideal for those seeking lower costs, fewer regulations, and a slower-paced life.
The Cheapest Way to Move From California to Arizona
- Renting a moving truck.
- Hiring budget-friendly movers.
- Using portable storage containers.
- Selling unnecessary items before moving.
Moving to Arizona From California
Expect a lower cost of living, a different climate, and more spacious living options.
Least Expensive Places to Live in Arizona
- Yuma
- Apache Junction
- Douglas
- Bullhead City
- Coolidge
Time Difference Between California and Arizona
Arizona follows Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round. During daylight saving time, Arizona is one hour ahead of California.
Related Questions
Why Do People Move to Arizona From California?
Arizona has seen an increase in migration from population-dense states such as California. Over the last five years, Arizona pulled an average of 267,000 immigrants from other states, with an average of 200 individuals daily.
Seeing this massive inbound movement to Arizona, the multimillion-dollar question is, what tips the tide? The following factors play significant roles in this mass movement to Arizona.
Job Availability
In recent years, Arizona has seen an economic boom due to companies like Paypal, Petsmart, and Wells Fargo setting up residence in the state. Additionally, the arrival of tech companies into the state has only served to further strengthen the economy and increase job opportunities in the state, hence, increasing the number of people willing to move there.
Ease of Movement
With congested road traffic being a rare sight in Arizona, residents have an easier time arriving at their destinations in record time. In cities like Tucson, East Valley, Phoenix, Mesa, and West Valley, some places can also be accessed by walking or cycling, giving residents a variety of movement. This is not usually the case in other big cities.
Other routes of transportation such as air, and railways are equally developed and affordable thus, movement into and out of Arizona is relatively easy and hassle-free.
Fewer Natural Disasters
When compared to its neighboring states, Arizona is relatively safe from the natural disasters places like California are known for. Arizona is a landlocked state, located firmly on the Earth’s bedrock, thus, it is less prone to earthquakes.
Also, being a desert valley, Arizona lacks significant vegetation that predisposes to forest wildfires during the summer season.
Inexpensive Cost of Living in Arizona
The cost of buying or renting a home, tax rate, and transportation ultimately translates into a less expensive cost of living. Fewer natural disasters in the Sunset state puts less burden of rebuilding on the residents. Once you settle in it’s pretty hard to complain about the cost of living in Arizona.
Is Arizona Better Than California?
Arizona is better for affordability, lower taxes, and a slower-paced lifestyle. California offers more job opportunities, a diverse economy, and a vibrant social scene.
Is Arizona Hotter Than California?
Yes, Arizona generally has higher temperatures, particularly in summer. Cities like Phoenix often experience temperatures exceeding 100°F, while California’s coastal cities remain cooler.
Is Arizona Expensive?
Arizona is more affordable than California, with lower taxes, housing, and general living costs.
What Are the Perks of Living in California?
- High-paying job opportunities.
- Diverse culture and entertainment.
- Coastal access and beautiful beaches.
- Top-rated education and healthcare institutions.
- Vibrant nightlife and social life.
Conclusion
The Grand Canyon state is rapidly becoming one of the choicest places to live in the US because of its affordable cost of living and rapidly growing economy. If you are considering moving to Arizona, then you’d need a professional and local REALTOR company, such as AZ Flat Fee REALTORs to help you find the right home and facilitate the purchase process.
