Best Michigan to Arizona Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Michigan to Arizona and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,917 mile MI to AZ move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 127 Michigan to Arizona moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Michigan compared to Arizona. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Michigan to Arizona Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Michigan to Arizona Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.769.64Authorized For HHG
2Pro-Low Moving9.699.73Authorized For HHG
3New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.339.4Authorized For Property
4Handle With Care Moving & Delivery 9.078.91Authorized For Property, HHG
5MASS Movers9.049.15Authorized For Property, HHG
6Kingsley Moving Systems8.999.19Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Michigan to Arizona?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,917 miles from Michigan to Arizona will cost on average $3,411 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MI to AZ move is roughly $8,229. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Michigan and dropoff in Arizona as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Michigan to Arizona movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,289300 ft³$7.63
1 Bedroom$3,411450 ft³$7.58
2 Bedrooms$5,648750 ft³$7.53
3 Bedrooms$8,2291100 ft³$7.48
4 Bedrooms$11,8901600 ft³$7.43
5+ Bedrooms$13,2861800 ft³$7.38
*Please note: These Michigan to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Michigan & Arizona. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed MI to AZ mover.
Michigan iconArrow iconArizona icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Arizona to Michigan guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular Michigan to Arizona Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from Michigan to Arizona

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Compare the 6 Best MI to AZ Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.76/10
based on 2,064+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pro-Low Moving Logo

Pro-Low Moving

Exceptional9.69/10
based on 1,140+ data points

665 136th Ave

Holland, MI, 49424

About Pro-Low Moving

Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3508434 / 1160481

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved105,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 887+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  Logo

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 822+ data points

4260 Varsity Dr

Ann Arbor, MI, 48108

About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

808976 / 359936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
MASS Movers Logo

MASS Movers

Exceptional9.04/10
based on 458+ data points

Lansing, MI, 48910

About MASS Movers

MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...

Services

  • Packing Service
  • Large Item Moving
  • Small to Medium Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3333210 / 1062576

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved32,500 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Kingsley Moving Systems Logo

Kingsley Moving Systems

Superb8.99/10
based on 533+ data points

610 Detroit St

Lansing, MI, 48912

About Kingsley Moving Systems

Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1890987 / 682343

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved140,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Arizona

When considering a move from Michigan to Arizona, it's important to engage in an honest reflection of the benefits and drawbacks of this relocation. This exercise allows you to weigh the differences, focusing on the aspects of daily life that will change. Both the pros and cons of moving from Michigan to Arizona are crucial in guiding your decision.

CONs
PROs
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Long winters
  • Limited sunshine
  • Rustbelt economy
  • Pothole roads
  • High humidity
Arizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Diverse job market
  • Smooth highways
  • Dry climate
Arizona iconArizona
  • Arid desert views
  • Scorching summers
  • Lack of large lakes
  • Less auto industry
  • Fewer cultural hubs
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Lush landscapes
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Great Lakes access
  • Rich car history
  • Diverse culture

Moving from Michigan to Arizona offers you exciting opportunities but also requires adapting to new conditions. The mild winters and abundant sunshine in places like Scottsdale and Phoenix make outdoor activities such as hiking in Camelback Mountain or visiting the Desert Botanical Garden enjoyable year-round. However, the scorching summers can be quite a challenge compared to Michigan’s cooler temperatures. You might miss the lush landscapes and the Great Lakes’ charm but can immerse yourself in the unique Southwestern culture and history found in Arizona's cities. Exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Old Town Scottsdale with its boutiques and art galleries, or experiencing the iconic Route 66, will offer distinct rewards that make adjusting to the arid climate worthwhile.

Michigan vs. Arizona Food Guide

Food is a pivotal aspect of local culture, reflecting the essence of what it's like to live in a certain region. To ensure you're well-informed about the culinary scene of your new home, we offer a comparison of the local cuisine between Michigan & Arizona . This way, you can indulge in local favorites and understand the gastronomic nuances that make each state unique.

Michigan
Arizona
Most iconic local food item
Cherry Pie
Sonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dish
Pasties
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Coney Island Hot Dog
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Lentil Burger
Jackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • El Charro Café
  • Pizzicletta
  • Bacanora
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Embarking on a culinary tour from Michigan to Arizona reveals a broad spectrum of flavors and dining experiences. In Michigan, the tradition of the Pastie speaks volumes about its English and Cornish influences, best enjoyed in spots like the Upper Peninsula. Detroit's Coney Island Hot Dogs are a must-try, with decades-old establishments serving up this local delicacy. On the other hand, Arizona effortlessly blends Mexican cuisine into its culinary identity. The Sonoran Hot Dog, a unique twist on an American classic, epitomizes street food in cities like Tucson. Moreover, Phoenix's food truck scene is vibrant, offering everything from traditional tacos to innovative vegan options. Whether you're exploring the historical El Charro Café in Tucson or enjoying a modern dining experience at Pizzicletta in Flagstaff, Arizona presents an intriguing foodie adventure with healthier and more diverse options.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Michigan vs. Arizona Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between your current location and your future home is crucial. This comparison focuses on Michigan vs. Arizona, highlighting differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

Michigan
Arizona
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Ranch
Spanish Colonial, Ranch
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Lake Access, Wooded Lots
Desert Landscaping, Solar Panels

In both Michigan and Arizona, the housing market reflects each state's unique lifestyle and environmental attributes. Michigan homes often boast features like lake access or wooded lots, highlighting the state’s abundant natural water sources and forested areas. In contrast, Arizona properties frequently emphasize desert landscaping and solar panels, a nod to the state's arid climate and ample sunshine. These differences extend to architecture, with Michigan favoring Colonial and Ranch styles, whereas Arizona's homes often feature Spanish Colonial influences. Moreover, Arizona generally offers a slightly more urban lifestyle with better walkability and bikeability scores, aligning with its larger metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson.

Michigan vs. Arizona Weather Considerations

When moving from one location to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial for adjusting your lifestyle and expectations. This guide will help you compare the weather of Michigan and Arizona, focusing on aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and natural events, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

Michigan
Arizona
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Tornadoes
Heatwaves, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

81°F / 58°F
104°F / 81°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

31°F / 17°F
66°F / 44°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

32.8"
13.6"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

60.66"
0.3"


Moving from Michigan to Arizona, you'll experience a significant change in climate. Arizona's higher average temperatures and drastically lower humidity levels contrast with Michigan's cooler and more humid conditions. Michigan encounters more varied seasonal changes, with significant snowfall in winter, while Arizona offers an abundance of sunshine and mild winters. These differences not only affect daily comfort but also your lifestyle choices, including clothing, home maintenance, and outdoor activities. Considering Arizona's higher UV index, sun protection becomes a more critical daily routine. This comparison helps you anticipate the adjustments needed to thrive in your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Michigan to Arizona

When contemplating a move from Michigan to Arizona, it's crucial to consider how the shift will impact your finances. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences in cost of living, average income, and taxes between Michigan and Arizona, providing insight into what you can expect in terms of monetary adjustments.

Michigan
Arizona
Avg. Household Income
$66,986
$74,568
Cost of Living Index
91.2
101.2
State Income Tax
4.25
2.59 - 4.50
Avg. Property Tax
1.58
0.62
Avg. Sales Tax
6
8.4
Top 3 Industries
Automotive, Manufacturing, Technology
Healthcare, Transportation, Aerospace
Affluence
Moderate
Moderately High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
Significant
Noticeable

The average household income in Arizona is slightly higher than in Michigan, which might offset the higher cost of living and sales tax rate observed in Arizona. Notably, Arizona's progressive state income tax rate offers a more favorable scenario for lower-income earners compared to Michigan's flat tax rate. Another key financial advantage in Arizona is its significantly lower average property tax rate, making homeownership potentially more affordable. However, considering the cost of living and the nuances in tax structures is crucial for anyone planning to make this move.

Michigan vs. Arizona Political & Religious Comparison

This quick comparison offers a snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Michigan & Arizona and the religious landscape in each state. Understand the community you're moving into at a glance.

Michigan
Arizona
Political Make-up
Swing state with a mix of both Democratic and Republican supporters
Tends to lean Republican, but recent elections show increasing Democratic support
Local Politics
Democratic strongholds in urban areas, with Republican dominance in rural regions
Urban areas like Phoenix seeing a shift towards Democratic, with traditional Republican support in rural areas
Religion
Highly diversified; prominent Christian population with growing numbers of other faiths
Diverse religious makeup; Christianity dominant with an increasing presence of other faith communities

Moving from Michigan to Arizona, you'll notice a significant political landscape shift. Michigan's swing state status reflects its varied population, with close political races often decided by a small margin. In comparison, Arizona, historically seen as reliably Republican, has shown a broader Democratic appeal in urban areas, especially around Phoenix, similar to Michigan's Democratic urban centers. On the religious front, both states are diversified, hosting a majority Christian population alongside growing communities of other faiths, reflecting a broad tapestry of beliefs across the states.

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Arizona

To make your move from Michigan to Arizona smoother, it's crucial to compare educational opportunities between the two states. This comparison will serve as a guide to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Michigan and Arizona , ensuring you can make the best decisions for your family's educational needs.

MichiganArizona

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Harlan Elementary
Birmingham; Bates Elementary
Dexter; Wealthy Elementary
East Grand Rapids
Knox Gifted Academy
Chandler; BASIS Scottsdale Primary - East Campus
Scottsdale; Benchmark School
Phoenix

Top 3 Middle Schools

Smith Middle School
Troy; West Middle School
Plymouth; Boulan Park Middle School
Troy
BASIS Chandler
Chandler; BASIS Oro Valley
Oro Valley; BASIS Peoria
Peoria

Top 3 High Schools

International Academy
Bloomfield Hills; City Middle/High School
Grand Rapids; Troy High School
Troy
BASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale; BASIS Chandler
Chandler; University High School
Tucson

Top 3 private high schools

Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix; The Gregory School
Tucson

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Roeper School
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor
Tesseract School
Phoenix; The Gregory School
Tucson; Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Scottsdale

Top 3 School Districts

East Grand Rapids Public Schools
East Grand Rapids; Okemos Public Schools
Okemos; Birmingham Public Schools
Birmingham
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale; Catalina Foothills School District
Tucson; Chandler Unified School District
Chandler

In both Michigan and Arizona, the quality of education you'll encounter spans from remarkable public options to prestigious private institutions. For instance, Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum that nurtures critical thinking and creativity. Similarly, BASIS Scottsdale in Arizona is celebrated for its rigorous academic program that prepares students for higher education and beyond. Both states offer distinctive college-prep and K-12 education experiences, but it's interesting to note the emphasis on STEM programs at certain Arizona schools such as BASIS and the more traditional liberal arts education found in Michigan schools like Cranbrook and Detroit Country Day School. Deciding between these education systems will depend on what best aligns with your family’s values and your children's educational needs.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Michigan to Arizona Movers Featured Image