Californians are flocking to Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Why is this? It isn’t too much of a mystery once you take a look at the facts.  The flock is occurring because of California’s excessively high cost of living. Over the past 3 years, over 30,000 people every year have moved from California to Arizona. Take a look at these statistics and you may decide for yourself that you should be making the move to Arizona as well.

4.17% vs 9.3%

To begin, Arizona’s income tax rate for incomes between $53,000 and $159,000 is a low 4.17%.  On the other hand, in California, incomes above $53,980, have a tax rate of 9.3%. That is double Arizona’s rate!

Cost of Living and Housing

Cost of Living in Prescott

41.7% lower compared to Orange Country

Housing in Prescott

88.1% lower compared to Orange Country

Cost of Living in Prescott

27.7% lower compared to San Diego

Housing in Prescott

56.9% lower compared to San Diego


Below are more detail about each of the counties and towns mentioned above:

Orange County, CA

  • Housing expenses are 157% higher than the national average.
  • Utility prices are 5% higher than the national average.
  • Transportation expenses and gas prices are 37% higher than the national average.
  • Grocery prices are 13% higher than the national average.
  • Healthcare is 7% higher than the national average.

San Diego, CA

  • Housing expenses are 136% higher than the national average.
  • Utility prices are 15% higher than the national average.
  • Transportation expenses and gas prices are 29% higher than the national average.
  • Grocery prices are 13% higher than the national average.
  • Healthcare is 8% higher than the national average.

Prescott, AZ

  • Housing expenses are 13% higher than the national average.
  • Utility prices are 25% lower than the national average.
  • Transportation expenses and gas prices are 11% lower than the national average.
  • Grocery prices are 2% lower than the national average.
  • Healthcare is 5% lower than the national average.

I live for statistics; however, they can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, I hope I have laid the ground work to show you that Arizona’s cost of living is exceptionally lower that California. But numbers shouldn’t be the only factor that are pulling you to this beautiful state. Arizona is drop-dead gorgeous! Desert, mountains, valleys, lakes, natural wonders . . . this state holds it all.

I’m a Prescott resident, so I may have some bias, but nothing beats this town! Prescott has something for everyone. Prescott, Arizona is dubbed as "Everyone's Hometown." Located in the mountains of north central Arizona in Yavapai County, surrounded by National Forest, and sitting at a mile-high elevation, Prescott has a perfect climate with four distinct but gentle seasons. 

Prescott’s charming downtown centers on an old-fashioned town square with an historic courthouse, but what surrounds it is anything but old fashioned. Upscale shops and restaurants, art and antiques, and just about everything in between make Prescott’s historic downtown the place to be.

Luxury homes, golf course homes, historic homes, new homes, or senior adult communities are all offered in a variety of settings and price ranges. Prescott is a great place for an active lifestyle, too. You can kayak at Watson Lake, hike, bike, or ride horses or quads in the National Forest, or play one of our many signature golf courses. Although Prescott is consistently rated as one of the best places to retire, there are plenty of activities for all ages.  We're a very dog friendly community, have a very vibrant downtown nightlife, and there's fabulous shopping with boutiques, antique shops, artisans, and more.  

Let’s Talk Prescott

I am John Gorden, a local realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bloomtree Realty in Prescott, Arizona.  I am a Southern California refuge, moving to Prescott in 1992.  Since we still had family in Orange County, we chose Prescott since the drive was only six hours, and the town is incredibly beautifully.  The first time we came to Prescott in 1992, when we crossed over the Colorado River, my heart rate went way down, the air was clean, and I knew we were home. Call me at (928) 308-0101 and we will talk Prescott.  Also,visit my website at PrescottsBestHomes.com.