How Many People Are Moving to Arizona, and Where Are They Coming From?
Arizona ranked No. 4 nationally for domestic migration in the most recent full-year data, with a net gain of more than 51,000 residents from other states — and California remains the single largest source, with Arizona gaining an estimated 173 Californians a day over the past decade. Texas, Washington, Colorado, and North Carolina round out the other top origin states feeding Arizona’s growth.
By Teresa Hague | October 22, 2026
If you’re relocating to Arizona from California, Seattle, Portland, or Texas, you’re part of one of the largest ongoing migration patterns in the country — and you’re not the only one trying to figure out what you’re walking into.
The Numbers Behind the Move
- Arizona gained a net 51,387 residents from other states in the most recent year of full migration data, ranking No. 4 nationally
- California has been Arizona’s single largest source of new residents for over a decade, at an estimated rate of 173 people a day
- Arizona’s home prices run roughly 44% lower than California’s on average — one of the single biggest drivers of the migration pattern
- Texas, Washington, Colorado, and North Carolina are the other states most commonly cited alongside California as sources of new Arizona residents
What California Transplants Are Usually Surprised By
The price gap is real, and it’s why most relocating buyers come in expecting Arizona to feel like an easy win financially. It mostly is — but a few things catch new residents off guard:
- HOA fees are climbing, driven in part by heat and wildfire-risk-related maintenance costs, so factor a higher HOA line item into your budget than you might expect from past experience in other states.
- Homeowners insurance has risen sharply — Arizona premiums are up an estimated 48% over the past three years, which matters more than it used to when you’re comparing total monthly housing costs across states.
- Property taxes are lower than many origin states. Arizona’s average effective property tax rate runs around 0.43%, with Maricopa County closer to 0.40% — a welcome change for buyers coming from higher-tax states.
What Pacific Northwest Transplants Should Know
Buyers coming from Seattle and Portland are often relocating for cost of living and climate reasons as much as housing cost. The desert climate is a real adjustment — not just the summer heat, but the lack of year-round greenery many Pacific Northwest buyers are used to. On the housing side, expect a wider range of new-construction options than you likely had access to in the Seattle or Portland markets, where land availability is more constrained.
What Texas Transplants Should Know
If you’re moving from Texas, Arizona’s property tax rates will likely feel like a relief — Arizona’s effective rate is meaningfully lower than Texas’s, which has no state income tax but higher property taxes to compensate. The tradeoff is Arizona does have a state income tax, so run your full tax picture, not just the property tax line, before assuming Arizona is cheaper across the board.
Timing Your Move
Fall through early spring is the most popular window for relocating buyers, both because the climate is at its most comfortable for house-hunting trips and because inventory tends to be more available before the spring buying season heats up. If you’re planning a move for next year, starting your search now — before the seasonal rush — typically means less competition on the homes you’re considering.
Why Relocating Buyers Lean on Local Expertise
Moving across state lines means you’re making a six-figure decision in a market you’ve likely never lived in. CITIEA works with relocating buyers from California, the Pacific Northwest, and Texas regularly, and the brokerage’s See Homes First program gives out-of-state buyers early access to listings before they hit the open market — valuable when you can’t just drive by a neighborhood on a whim before deciding where to focus your search.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are moving to Arizona each year?
Arizona gained a net 51,387 residents from other states in the most recent full year of migration data, ranking fourth nationally for domestic in-migration.
Which state sends the most people to Arizona?
California has been Arizona’s largest source of new residents for over a decade, with an estimated 173 people a day moving from California to Arizona.
Is Arizona cheaper than California?
Generally, yes. Arizona’s home prices run roughly 44% lower than California’s on average, which is one of the primary drivers behind the migration pattern.
What should I budget for that I might not expect when moving to Arizona?
Factor in rising homeowners insurance costs (up an estimated 48% over the past three years) and increasing HOA fees tied to heat and maintenance, even though Arizona’s property tax rates are relatively low compared to many other states.
What’s the best time of year to move to Arizona?
Fall through early spring tends to be the most popular window, both for more comfortable house-hunting weather and typically less buyer competition than the spring rush.
Closing (CTA: See Homes First): Relocating from out of state means you often don’t have the luxury of casually driving neighborhoods for months before deciding where to focus. That’s exactly what See Homes First is built for — reach out and we’ll get you early access to listings that match what you’re looking for before they hit the open market.
About Teresa Hague
Sell the easy way. Teresa Hague and the CITIEA team help Greater Phoenix homeowners and relocating buyers navigate the market with confidence, backed by almost a billion dollars in annual home sales across the Phoenix metro market.
