Are you struggling to get by at your current location and looking for a new place to enjoy a fresh start?
You’re not the only one. Many part- and full-time workers are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities in different states.
But did you know you could make money out of relocation?
Today’s guide covers everything you need to know to get paid to move to Arizona. If you’re considering living in The Grand Canyon State, keep reading to find out about its attractive relocation package.
Can You Get Paid to Move to Arizona?
The short answer is yes, you can receive money when you move to Arizona thanks to the assistance of the Remote Tucson program.
The Remote Tucson initiative is a paid relocation program that targets remote workers and national talent. The program invites people to consider living in Tucson or Pima County in exchange for various benefits and perks.
Startup Tucson, an economic development organization, runs the Remote Tucson program.
Part of its mission is to boost Tucson’s city position as a great place to live, work, and play. It also works to support the innovation ecosystem in Tucson and Pima County by bringing in qualified mentors for startups.
The Remote Tucson program is designed to serve the organization’s vision and mission of transforming the region’s economy.
- Keep in mind that the Remote Tucson program is not associated with Tulsa Remote. Startup Tucson independently owns and operates Remote Tucson in Arizona.
How Much Can You Make Moving to Arizona?
Startup Tucson’s relocation program provides participating eligible individuals with cash and moving assistance. It also offers exclusive benefits and perks, along with community ambassadors to welcome them into the city.
The total value of the benefits and perks affiliated with Remote Tucson is more than $9,000. This is possible via contributions from multiple sponsors and partners, including Airbnb, the Marshall Foundation, and The University of Arizona.
Here are a few of the incentives you can expect to get through the Remote Tucson program:
- Relocation funds: Remote Tucson will give you $1,000 in cash to help support your relocation expenses as you make your way to Tucson or Pima County.
- Airbnb credits: a donation from Airbnb, the Remote Tucson program includes credits in the value of $1,000. You can use them for stays via the platform whether you’re looking for a place to land or exploring Arizona.
- Internet services: Remote Tucson provides you with free internet services from your home after relocation. Sponsored by COX, the total value of this benefit comes in at $1,500.
- Coworking sampler pack: Remote Tucson will supply you with an office where you can do your remote work alongside new friends. With multiple coworking options, you can check out 6 locations for a total value of $1,500.
- Hotel nights: Fayth Hospitality, Remote Tucson’s hotel partner, offers participants a complimentary stay of $500 in total value.
Are There Tax Benefits to Moving to Arizona?
If you’re new to Arizona or considering moving to The Grand Canyon State, you should be aware of various details related to filing your taxes.
While there are no moving-specific tax deductions or incentives, Arizona is a generally tax-friendly state. For example, retirees don’t pay estate taxes, Social Security benefits, gift taxes, or inheritance taxes.
The state does change income taxes, but these are pretty low compared to most other states. This is especially true after the state has reduced its 4 tax brackets into one with a flat, super-low rate.
If you’re a resident of Arizona, you’ll have to pay a state income tax of 2.5% to the government. This beats the majority of states, including ones with get-paid-to-move programs such as West Virginia, Hawaii, and Maine.
Additionally, the property tax rate in Arizona is among the lowest in the USA. According to WalletHub’s research, Arizona has the 13th lowest property tax among all states, with a real estate tax of 0.66%.
Places in Arizona That Pay You To Move
Now that you’re familiar with Arizona’s relocation program, you’re probably wondering where to live there to receive the moving incentives.
In this section, we’ll cover a few locations in Arizona that’ll let you take advantage of the state’s get-paid-to-move program.
Tucson
Located in Pima County and its county seat, Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona following Phoenix, and the 34th-largest city in the US.
Tucson stretches over approximately 238 square miles and has a population of around 546,500 residents according to the US Census 2022 estimates.
Tucson has 5 minor mountain ranges surrounding it, and it lies about 60 miles from the Mexican border. Also known as the Old Pueblo, this city is also home to the renowned University of Arizona.
How Much You Can Make
If you move to Tucson, you’ll have fulfilled one of the primary qualifying conditions for the Remote Tucson program.
This means you’ll be eligible to receive benefits and perks of a total value of more than $9,000.
The program includes partner career support (with a total value of $700) where Remote Tucson helps your partner or family member find a new job in Tucson via the Talent Store.
Tucson is also one of Arizona’s most affordable cities to live in. The cost of living is about 5% lower than the national average, and housing is around 25% less costly.
What Makes This Option Great
With an excellent livability score of 73, Tucson has a lot to offer those who decide to relocate. Its active lifestyle is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, while the budget-friendly living costs are a welcome advantage for anyone.
The job market in Tucson is also quite stable. So if you want to leave your remote position once the program’s term expires, it’ll be easier for you to land a job.
You won’t have a hard time finding a place to live in Tucson. It has many great neighborhoods to suit different needs, including Sam Hughes, Catalina Foothills, Barrio Viejo, Civano, and Armory Park.
Marana
Also located in Pima County is Marana; the fastest-growing community in Arizona’s south. Situated northwest of Tucson, this is the 20th-largest city in Arizona following Phoenix, and the 659th-largest city in the US.
Marana extends over approximately 121 square miles (about half the size of Tucson). It has a population of nearly 56,000 residents according to the US Census 2022 estimates.
Marana is home to numerous significant archaeological sites such as Las Capas, Los Morteros, and Marana Mound.
How Much You Can Make
If you move to Marana, you’ll have fulfilled one of the main eligibility conditions for the Remote Tucson program. This means you can receive all the included benefits and perks, valued at over $9,000.
The program includes a closing discount incentive in partnership with NOVA Home Loans. If you decide you buy a home in Tucson or Pima County, you’ll get a discount on the closing fees (valued at $500).
You should note, however, that living in Marana isn’t as affordable as in Tucson. The cost of living is about 9% higher than the national average, and housing is around 22% more costly.
What Makes This Option Great
If you’re interested in nurturing your connection to nature, Marana is the spot for you. It’s a wonderful destination if you enjoy outdoor activities and/or you’re looking for a place with fun, laid-back vibes for your family.
You’ll also enjoy the modern designs of homes in Marana and their stunning mountain views. You’ll be close to downtown Phoenix and Tucson without all the hassle.
Oro Valley
Incorporated into Arizona’s Pima County in 1974, Oro Valley lies about 6 miles north of Tucson. This suburban town is the “Upscale Tech Mecca” of the state as it houses over a dozen high-tech companies.
Oro Valley has an area of approximately 35 square miles and a population of around 48,000 residents according to the US Census 2022 estimates. It sits between the Tortolita and the Catalina mountain ranges.
How Much You Can Make
If you move to Oro Valley, you’ll be living in a town within Pima County, which is one of the Remote Tucson program conditions. This makes you eligible to get paid incentives of over $9,000 in value.
The program includes an integration initiative through Local First where you get a basket of local goods and a gift card for online shopping at the Shop Local store. This perk comes in at a total value of $150.
Keep in mind that the cost of living in Oro Valley is higher than in both Tucson and Marana. It’s about 15% higher than the national average, with housing costing around 41%.
Many people still consider it a small price to pay for the exceptional livability score compared to other Arizona areas.
What Makes This Option Great
If you’re raising a family, Oro Valley is one of the best places you can reside in Arizona. It has an excellent school system with a wide variety of sports programs and extracurricular activities.
Oro Valley is bustling with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of state parks and golf courses. The community is also quite friendly and the town is one of the safest in the country.
Jobs in Arizona That Pay You To Move
The job market in Arizona is strong and steady. It includes tons of opportunities for newcomers, powered by the ever-growing healthcare, tech, and tourism industries.
The following are a few of the most in-demand jobs in the Arizona market and what makes them great opportunities:
Registered Nurse
The healthcare sector across the US is in dire need of reinforcement, and Arizona is no exception.
The Grand Canyon State suffers from an evident shortage of nursing staff, which is why nursing assistants are consistently in high demand. Arizona is even among the top 5 states with nurse staffing problems according to Becker’s Hospital.
If you’re a registered nurse in Arizona, you can find plenty of open positions in various settings, including clinics, care facilities, and hospitals.
How Much You Can Make
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate of a registered nurse in Arizona is $40, whereas the national average is $44 per hour.
This makes for an annual salary of around $84,000 for a registered nurse in Arizona. The national average yearly salary is about $91,000.
A registered nurse in Arizona can get paid as high as $72.5. The pay varies widely depending on multiple factors such as skill level, years of experience, and work location.
What Makes This Option Great
The fact that the nursing job market is experiencing such a shortage means that the demand isn’t going down anytime soon.
Registered nurses will continue to see a lot of hiring and advancement opportunities with stable employment environments.
Construction Workers
A construction worker gets involved in various aspects of the physical construction of infrastructures, buildings, facilities, and other structures.
Construction workers can work on construction projects across different sectors such as industrial, residential, civil, and commercial.
As the growth of communities all over Arizona’s cities continues at a steady pace, jobs for skilled workers in construction are always available.
How Much You Can Make
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate of a construction worker in Arizona is $24, meanwhile, the national average is closer to $25 per hour.
This corresponds to a salary of around $49,000 per year for a construction worker in Arizona. The national average annual salary is around $50,500.
A construction worker in Arizona can get paid an hourly rate as high as $35 and as low as $11. The salary also varies based on several factors such as project type, skill level, and years of experience.
What Makes This Option Great
According to The Merit Shop Scoreboard, Arizona is the second-best state for construction workers after Florida. The Grand Canyon State has excellent pay rates, workforce development, and job growth rates.
This translates into a robust work environment for skilled construction professionals with consistently high demand and great benefits.
Software Developers
According to The University of Arizona, software developers are among the fastest-growing and top-earning occupations in the tech sector.
Software developers build programs, design computer applications, and create complex databases among various other responsibilities.
To work as a software developer in Arizona, you’ll need to have at least graduated with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. However, internship opportunities are available for undergraduates.
How Much You Can Make
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate of a graduate software developer in Arizona is $47, whereas the national average is $51 per hour.
This corresponds to a yearly salary of around $99,000 for a software developer in Arizona. The national average annual salary is around $105,000.
A graduate software developer in Arizona can make as much as $153,000 per year. The pay varies greatly based on multiple factors such as skill level, years of experience, and company type.
What Makes This Option Great
Arizona has become a hub for tech companies over recent years, especially ones aiming to startup and expand. Tucson was even ranked the #1 opportunity market for tech talent in 2019.
For software engineers, this means plenty of job opportunities in various tech and text-related fields. Companies are so interested in attracting talent that most of them offer relocation assistance packages to new hires.
Why You Should Consider Moving to Arizona
If knowing more about the relocation program incentive, cities, and jobs in Arizona isn’t enough to help you decide, no problem. You can find inspiration in this section where we’ll take a closer look at a few of the reasons people move to Arizona.
1. It’s Always Warm
Arizona is a winter weather-free state, which is a huge pro point to anyone who struggles with the cold.
Winter temperatures in Arizona peak in the 70s range. You also won’t see snow unless you’re hiking up the higher mountains in the north.
The mostly sunny weather (monsoon season excluded) corresponds to a busy outdoor life. If you like going out and about, Arizona is the state for you.
2. It Has Stunning Scenery
The Grand Canyon is epic, but it’s not the only breathtaking landscape you’ll encounter in Arizona. From beautiful mountains to stunning striped rocks to vast flatlands, Arizona has it all.
3. It Has a Rich Job Marker
Arizona boasts a strong job market that attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The robust economy is one of the reasons why the state has leading population growth rates. Healthcare, tech, and tourism are among the most flourishing sectors.
4. It Has a Diverse Culture
Arizona is home to an intriguing blend of cultures thanks to the state’s history, growing population, and closeness to Mexico.
Everything from the food to the art serves as proof of this cultural diversity. If you’re an Arizona resident, you’ll experience new horizons firsthand.
5. It’s a Great Place to Retire
You won’t need to move once you hit retirement and want a place to relax. Arizona is already a haven for retirees with its favorable weather, friendly taxes, and affordable housing.
Is it Cheap to Live in Arizona?
The cost of living in Arizona is a bit above the national average, but it’s still affordable. It scored an index of 106.4 against the general US index of 100, ranking 37 among other states.
The average cost of living in Arizona per year is $44,875. The highest expenses are in Phoenix, Payson, and Flagstaff.
If you’re staying in Tucson or Pima County, the living costs will be a lot lower.
What is a Livable Salary in Arizona?
A livable salary in Arizona is around $36,000, which is an hourly rate of $17.43. This is on par with the national average of $17.46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a couple of common questions among folks considering relocation to Arizona:
Is it Worth it to Move to Arizona?
Between its great weather, gorgeous landscape, strong job market, and low taxes, Arizona is worth the change. The get-paid-to-move is an extra incentive.
Is it Cheaper to Live in Arizona or California?
It’s cheaper to live in Arizona than in California. The cost of living index in Arizona is 6 points above the national average, but it’s almost 38 points higher in California.
Similar Locations to Consider
Although it offers a tempting relocation program, Arizona isn’t the only state with a get paid to move initiative. Here are a few alternatives to consider if you’re looking for a change:
- Get Paid to Move to Hawaii: Moving to Hawaii sounds like a year-round vacation, and it gets even better with Honolulu’s relocation program, Known as Movers & Shakas, you get a free roundtrip flight, a free co-working space, and discounted hotel rates among many other perks.
- Get Paid to Move to California: From Hollywood to Disneyland, California has a lot going for it, and you can get money to live there! It has paid relocation jobs as well as relocation programs such as the one in Brentwood.
- Get Paid to Move to Florida: The ultimate place to settle down, Florida has fantastic beaches, warm weather, and tons of attractions. You can move to the Sunshine State and make money out of it while enjoying the state’s friendly tax policies.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a comprehensive walkthrough on how to get paid to move to Arizona. As you can tell, Tucson and Pima County offer a very attractive package for people interested in working and living in Arizona.
With great benefits and perks that include cash and services, all you need to do is fulfill the eligibility conditions to join the community.
Hopefully, our guide helped you figure out the best way to relocate to The Grand Canyon State. Feel free to tell us what you think in the comments, and please share the article if you liked it!
