Is Arizona or Texas more affordable?
You may be considering the big move out west and are thinking about Arizona or Texas, but which is the right state for you? The Lone Star State, otherwise known as Texas, offers beautiful, rich landscapes that are excellent for farming. Also, the favorable Texas climate is something to enjoy all year.
However, the Grand Canyon State, otherwise known as Arizona, offers a cost of living that is 5% less than the national average, plus average city workers can earn upwards of $50,000 each year.
That said, many factors contribute to choosing where to move. So let’s dive deeper into some statistics to help you decide.
Quick tips for making your long-distance move run smoothly!
- Use the correct size boxes. Pack heavier items (books) in small boxes and lighter items (towels) in bigger boxes.
- Pack each box according to room and avoid mixing the items from different rooms.
- Start packing early, beginning with the rooms used less frequently (guest rooms,
- den).
- Print several copies of your packing list so if you lose one, you have another one readily available.
Arizona Fast Facts
Arizona is the third-youngest state in the nation, and the most frequented attraction is The Grand Canyon, which is over one mile deep, 227 miles long, and 18 miles wide. In addition, there are over 20 monuments and national parks located in the state and over 100 wineries with 22 varieties of wines produced. That’s a lot of grapes.
Did you know the famous Arizona Trail is over 800 miles long and has many hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and horseback riding trails?
Grand Canyon National Park: Part of the 7 breathtaking Natural Wonders of the World (and the only one located in the U.S).
Arizona is just one of the four corner states. This means you can simultaneously be in all four states when you’re at the four corners. The other three states are New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
Texas Fast Facts
People came to the area that is now Texas over 16,700 years ago. Before the settlement of the Europeans, Texas was home to the Indians of Texans (Native American Tribes). While Native Americans lived in Texas for thousands of years, it did not become a part of the country (in the modern sense) until 1519, when Spanish Explorers arrived.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Texas is the second most populous area, California being the first. However, Texas has the largest state capitol building. Are you interested in a road trip? At 85 mph along a stretch of road between Austin and San Antonio, Texas has the highest speed limit.
Arizona Vs. Texas- Which is more affordable?
Regarding the cost of living for Arizona and Texas, the information is comprised of multiple expenses across the board. However, one of the biggest differences between both states is that Texas has no income tax. Because of this, the property taxes are extreme, so it’s more difficult to calculate which state offers more affordable home prices. Let’s look at other factors, including job opportunities, retiree benefits, top workplaces, and opportunities for small businesses that can help you determine which state best fits into your budget.
Arizona vs. Texas- Which state has better job opportunities?
Regarding unemployment, Arizona and Texas remain steady in their numbers of 3.6% and 4.2%, respectively. Unfortunately, the inflation rate is exceeding wage growth; while wages were up 5.6%, inflation rose to 7.9%. In summation, those that do find jobs have less to spend.
The good news is that economic forecasters expect a positive shift in this trend soon. According to the latest job reports, in July 2022, 528,000 jobs were added in the United States, which marks another month of growth for jobs across the nation. In Arizona, an estimated 220,000 jobs are unfilled, and in Texas, a reported 82,500 jobs were added in just the month of June 2022.
Arizona Job Opportunities
If you’re searching for a career opportunity in Arizona, it’s always best to narrow down your choice by choosing a specific city. First, however, check out some general statistics for an idea about the benefits of working for the state of Arizona. These perks include a choice of over 1500 types of career opportunities, job mobility, possible remote work, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, career growth, and military veteran perks. Other benefits include:
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term & long-term disability
- Guaranteed pension and retirement savings
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
Some of the top jobs in Arizona include:
- Sonographer $17.78
- Veterinary technician $14.09/hr
- Chemical operator $17.10/hr
- Mailroom clerk $15.10/hr
- Brick mason $20.12/hr
- Electronics technician $20.54/hr
- Forensic science technician $42,564/yr
- Computer engineer $42,718/yr
- Paralegal $48,389/yr
- Education manager $49,359/yr
If you know the specific town you are interested in moving to (for example, Tucson), here are a few statistics:
- Tucson’s unemployment rate is 7.4%
- Houston’s annual median household income is approximately $10,000 less than the state average.
- Recent job growth is 3.2%
- The income per cap. is $33,626
- Household income is $53,600
Once you choose your town, find more information on the Payscale website.
Texas Job Opportunities
If you’re searching for a promising career opportunity in Texas, like in Arizona, it’s always best to narrow down your option by choosing a specific city. That said, here are a few general statistics to get an idea of some of the benefits of working for the Lone Star state. These perks include compressed work weeks, longevity service, Employee Assistance Programs, Flexible hours, and recognition awards. Other benefits include:
- Retirement benefits
- Health insurance
- Annual leave
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick time
- Disability coverage
Some of the fastest growing careers in Texas include:
- Operations research analyst $87,090
- Market research analyst $76,840
- Physician assistant $112,200
- Dental hygienist $77,590
- Nurse practitioners $116,700
- Self-enrichment education teachers $37,390
- Software developers $109,570
- Financial Managers $148,860
- Dentist $184,410
- Substance Use & behavioral disorder counselors $50.920
- Coaches and scouts $53,740
If you know the specific town you are interested in moving to (for example, Houston), here are a few statistics:
- Houston’s unemployment rate is 4.70%
- Household income is 46% below the National Average
- Recent job growth is 33.1%
- The income per cap. Is $21,684
- Household income is $39,617
- The family median income is $49,203
Would you rather retire in Arizona or Texas?
This is rather tricky to decide. But, as stated above, working for the state of Arizona or the state of Texas offers many benefits, including comparable retirement packages. So, let’s dig a little deeper into other deciding factors when it comes to retiring in the Grand Canyon State or The Lone Star State.
Retiring in Arizona
You’ve worked diligently for your entire life, and now it’s time to reap all that hard work. In Arizona, a person can retire at 65 years of age. However, you can also retire as early as 50 years of age but with a reduced benefit, but you’ll need five years of service credits to do so.
If an employee reaches retirement age before filing, they will receive full benefits after the retirement application has been filed and accepted. However, the employee will get a reduced benefit if filed before retirement age because this is considered early retirement.
To ensure you have all the necessary information before your retirement date, always check with your company’s Human Resources department to understand the full benefits, retirement options, taxes, health insurance costs, and additional sources of income.
Now that you’re retired and have your benefits package in place, the big question is: What are my future plans? Without a daily nine-to-five to deal with, you will need to occupy your newfound free time with other activities.
One of the great things about retiring in Arizona is that it has an entertaining 55-plus social community. Most cities offer tours for locations like historical landmarks at discounted senior rates. For day trips to places, you may have already visited, revisit with an over 55 social group for a brand new interactive experience. Other tours include:
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bed
- Wine tours
- Grand Canyon helicopter tours
- Sedona Red Rock and Native American Ruins tour
If touring isn’t your thing, other options include golfing, desert botanical gardens, and bingo. Check your city’s local listings for these and other social activities.
Retiring in Texas
Retiring in Texas offers many benefits. The low tax rates in Texas are just one reason to retire here. Also, there is no state income tax. This means Social Security benefits, along with all other types of retirement income, are tax-free. This could potentially put thousands of dollars back into your pockets each year. Another plus for retirement in Texas is the low cost of living (depending on the area) and the mild winters.
The retirement age in Texas is 66 (if born from 1943-1946). The retirement age gradually increases if you were born from 1955 – 1960 until reaching 67. For those born in 1960 or after, benefits are payable at the age of 67. The minimal age to retire (considered early retirement) in Texas is 62 if you meet the Rule of 80, which is the combined age plus years of service credit that is equal to at least 80. Additionally, you’ll need at least five years of service credit.
The top 10 places to retire in Texas are:
- Wichita Falls
- Haltom City
- Port Arthur
- Weslaco
- Pharr
- Harlingen
- Brownsville
- Del Rio
- San Juan
- Socorro
Arizona vs. Texas- Which has the better weather?
Arizona weather
In a majority of the cities in Arizona, the year-round weather is hot and dry during the summer months, and the winters are cool and mostly clear. On average, the temperature varies from 45𐩑F to a steamy 107𐩑F. On average, the temperature rarely falls below 37𐩑F or above 112𐩑F.
December is the coldest month of the year, with an average low temperature of 45𐩑F and a high of 66𐩑F. Unfortunately, December is also the month that receives the least amount of sunshine.
The hottest month in Arizona is July, with an average high temp of 106𐩑F and a low of 85𐩑F. The cooler months in Arizona last 3.2 months, and the warmer/hot weather lasts 8.8 months.
Texas weather
In most of the cities in Texas, the summers are muggy and hot, while the winters are cold and windy. It is also mainly cloudy year-round in most parts. On average, the temperature varies from 39𐩑F to 96𐩑F but is rarely below 26𐩑F or higher than 102𐩑F.
January is the coldest month in Texas and lasts for 2.9 months, beginning late November to late February. The average daily high during these months is below 65𐩑F.
The warmest month in Texas is typically August, with an average temperature of 83.8𐩑F. The peak of the muggy summer days is July 31 to Aug 13.
Arizona vs. Texas- Which is the better option for a family?
If this isn’t a solo move for you and you are relocating with your entire family, you will want to look at stats to see which top schools make the grade. But what about the weekends and the summer? You may also be interested in family-friendly activities for the kiddies. Check out the lists below. Then, you’ll be well informed when deciding if Arizona or Texas is the right state for you.
Arizona Schools
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley, AZ)
- Academics A+
- Diversity A
- Teachers A
Benjamin Franklin Charter School (Gilbert, AZ)
- Academics A
- Diversity B
- Teachers A+
BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Academics A+
- Diversity A
- Teachers A+
BASIS Oro Valley (Oro Valley, AZ)
- Academics A+
- Diversity A
- Teachers A+
University High School (Tucson Unified School District)
- Academics A+
- Diversity A
- Teachers A
Arizona Family Activities
- Legoland Discover Center
- Best Vortex and Chakra Tour of Sedona
- Enchanted Island Amusement Park
- Salt River Kayaking Trip
- 3 Hour Off-Road Susent Safari to Grand Canyon
- Emerald Cove Kayak Tour
- Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
- Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix
- Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour
- Sedona Sightseeing Tour
- Sedona Stargazing Tour
Texas Schools
Texas has 1,074 districts and 1,992 high schools in Texas. Here are 5 top schools and their stats.
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School (Dallas, TX)
Grades 9-12
Student-Teacher Ratio 20:1
TAG – The School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas, TX)
Grades 9-12
Student-Teacher Ratio 19:1
Carnegie Vanguard High School
Grades 9-12
Student-Teacher Ratio 24:1
BASIS San Antonio- Shavano Campus
Grades 6-12
Student-Teacher Ratio 17:1
DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Grades 9-12
Student-Teacher Ratio 18:1
Texas Family Activities
- Children’s Museum of Houston (Houston, TX)
- National Butterfly Center (Mission TX)
- Space Center (Houston, TX)
- Six Flags Fiesta (San Antonio, TX)
- Natural Bridge Caverns (San Antonio, TX)
- Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston, TX)
- Lake Travis (Leander, TX)
- Texas Air and Space Museum (Amarillo, TX)
- Joyland Park (Lubbock, TX)
- Silver Spur Guest Ranch (Bandera, TX)
Arizona vs. Texas- Small Business Opportunities
Suppose you do not already have a job lined up for you and you’re considering moving to Arizona or Texas. In that case, you may be interested in small business opportunities for employment. Or, maybe you’re simply interested in supporting the smaller local businesses in the area. Here are some statistics on the climate of small businesses in both areas.
Small Business Opportunities in Arizona
According to Chief Executive Magazine’s list of the “Best States for Business,” Arizona came in the top listings at #4, rising six spots from the previous year of nearly 700 business owners in 50 states. When it comes to small businesses, Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., with an unemployment rate that fell to 4.5%.
If you want to start a small business in Arizona but don’t know what type of business, here are popular options with initial costs under $1,200.
- Fashion stylist
- Translator
- Dog walker
- Transcriber
- UI/UX designer
- Photographer
- Personal assistant (Errand runner)
- Freelance writer
- Virtual assistant
- Graphic designer
- Personal chef
Small Business Opportunities in Texas
Since Texas has seen exponential growth in eleven major industries, starting a small business in Texas isn’t as hard as it may seem. Some of the more considerable expansion has happened in major sectors like construction, trade, financial activities, and manufacturing. However, if you’re looking to start your own small business in Texas with little or no upfront costs, here are the top ones to consider.
- Online business (blog, content writing)
- Online hardware store
- Daycare
- Cleaning/maintenance
- Fitness training
- Medical coding & billing
- Recycling
- Pool cleaning/maintenance
- Electronic gadget repairs
- Mobile food truck
Arizona vs. Texas- Top Workplaces
Maybe you’re not interested in being an entrepreneur or owning a small business in Arizona or Texas and instead want to find a career in the workforce. The good news is, with the decreasing unemployment rates across both states, it will be much easier to find a position in one of the many workplaces that are currently hiring.
Top Workplaces in Arizona
- Trainual (Scottsdale, AZ)
- eBacon (Phoenix, AZ)
- BTG Real Estate (Chandler, AZ)
- LGI Homes (Woodlands, TX)
- Planetary Science Institute (Tucson, AZ)
- Arizona Autism United (AZA United) (Phoenix, AZ_
- Rose Law Group (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Paddy O’ Furniture (Phoenix, AZ)
- Wallace, Plese & Dreher (Chandler, AZ)
Top Workplaces in Texas
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (Houston, TX) 87% rating
- Transwestern (Houston, TX) 93% rating
- Goodehead Insurance (Westlake, TX) 82% rating
- Dell Technologies (Round Rock, TX) 85% rating
- Mr. Cooper (Nationstar Mortgage) (Coppell, TX) 88% rating
- David Weekley Homes (Houston, TX) 98% rating
- NuStar Energy L.P. ( San Antonio, TX) 90% rating
- Vizient (Irving, TX) 94% rating
- Prime Lending (Dallas, TX) 97% rating
*ratings are comprised of employee surveys
Arizona vs. Texas: Which has the better cost of living?
Regarding the cost of living, this list considers many variables, including healthcare, housing and utilities, and food and beverages (non-restaurant) costs. These numbers are based on the average annual per-capita cost.
Cost of living in Arizona
- Average housing costs in Arizona range from $778-$1555/month. An Arizona typical home costs $392,000
- Housing & utilities $6,680
- Health care $6,418
- Gas & energy $773
- Food & bev (non-restaurant) $3,288
Other costs include:
- Cable/Internet $105/mo
- Water $64
- Transportation $5115 – $13,900/year
Cost of living in Texas
- Average housing costs in Texas range from $925-$1650/month. A Texas typical home costs $267,523
- Housing & utilities $7,257
- Health care $5,793
- Gas & energy $815
- Food & bev (non-restaurant) $3310
Other costs include:
- Cable/Internet $115/mo
- Water $37
- Transportation $4,900 – $13,320/year
Arizona vs. Texas- The best neighborhoods to live
Whether it is The Grand Canyon State or The Lone Star State, if you’re planning the big move, you will want to look for the best locations that are in your price range and have the least crime rates.
Best Neighborhoods in Arizona
Paradise Valley, AZ
- Population 26,420
- The average household income is $211,393
- The poverty rate is 3.7%
- Law enforcement employees 40
- Property crimes per 100,000 is 1,095
- Violent crimes per 100,000 is 1,160
Oro Valley, AZ
- Population 44,844
- The average household income is $83,342
- The poverty rate is 6.2%
- Law enforcement employees 127
- Property crimes per 100,000 is 1,279
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 58
Florence, AZ
- Population 26,420
- The average household income is $49,550
- The poverty rate is 15.7%
- Law enforcement employees 40
- Property crimes per 100,000 are 280.5
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 130.8
Sahuarita, AZ
- Population 29,896
- The average household income is $80,526
- The poverty rate is 6.7%
- Law enforcement employees 50
- Property crimes per 100,000 is 1,117
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 139
Gilbert, AZ
- Population 247,463
- The average household income is $96,896
- The poverty rate is 5.3%
- Law enforcement employees 40
- Property crimes per 100,000 is 1,202
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 94.6
Best Neighborhoods in Texas
Trophy Club, TX
- Population 11,952
- The average household income is $147,477
- The poverty rate is 2.7%
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 7
Fate, TX
- Population 12,782
- The average household income is $110,373
- Poverty rate 0.5%
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 39
Fulshear, TX
- Population 9,908
- The average household income is $166,729
- Poverty rate 2.4%
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 0
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
- Population 9,972
- The average household income is $128,340
- The poverty rate is 2.5%
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 59
Needville, TX
- Population 3,361
- The average household income is $66,071
- The poverty rate is 7%
- Violent crimes per 100,000 are 32
Leisure Things To Do
The sunny year-round weather in Arizona and Texas makes outdoor leisure activities plentiful. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be too hot to enjoy outside fun. Check out this list of indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family.
Things to do in Arizona
- Trampoline park- Chandler, AZ (indoor)
- High-speed kart- racing Phoenix, AZ (indoor)
- Uptown Jungle Fun Park- Peoria, AZ (indoor)
- Arizona space center- Phoenix, AZ (indoor)
- iFLY Skydiving- Phoenix, AZ (indoor)
- Longboard (or bicycling) (outdoor)
- Golfing (indoor/outdoor)
- Grand Canyon hike (outdoor)
- Horseback riding in Sedona (outdoor)
- Explore the Petrified Forest National Park (outdoor)
Things to do in Texas
- Round Rock Sports Center- Round Rock, TX (indoor)
- Children’s Museum- Houston, TX (indoor)
- The Galleria- Houston, TX (indoor)
- Dallas Museum of Art- Dallas, TX (indoor)
- The Dallas World Aquarium- Dallas, TX (indoor)
- Hueco Tanks State Historic Site (outdoor)
- Padre Island National Seashore (outdoor)
- Big Bend National Park (outdoor)
- Camping (outdoor)
- Fishing/hiking (outdoor)
Culinary Experiences in Arizona and Texas
Who doesn’t love food, right? It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about a move to either Arizona or Texas because when it comes to hometown cuisine, you want the best experiences. While Arizona specializes in cheese crisps, Sonoran hot dogs, and Prickly Pear, Texas is famous for its unbeatable downhome Tex/Mex specialties.
Arizona is home to nearly 9,000 (with approximately 2,900 in Phoenix alone) restaurants, leading the nation in restaurant industry growth. Places that have received rave reviews in Arizona include Darbi’s Cafe, Screaming Banshee, and Medieval Times restaurants. Other top Arizona restaurants include:
- Rehab Burger Therapy (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Rock Springs Cafe (Black Canyon City, AZ)
- Black Bart’s Steakhouse (Flagstaff, AZ)
- Elbow’s Mac’ N Cheese (Gilbert, AZ)
According to the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas is a top contender in culinary cuisine and is a 52.4 billion dollar industry. Now, that’s a lot of steaks!
Texas’s best restaurants are Flora Street Cafe, Sprezza, and Ritual. Other top contenders include:
- Montlake Cut (Dallas, TX)
- Signature (San Antonio, TX)
- Red Ash Italia (Austin, TX)
Conclusion: It’s Your Decision
On the surface, Arizona and Texas have many similarities regarding weather, types of food, and even populations in some areas. It’s never easy deciding where to relocate, especially if your move includes an entire family. Take your time, it’s a state to state move, and do the necessary research. All will work out fine. Happy moving!
