Moving guide · Alberta → Arizona

Moving from Calgary to Phoenix

Mild winters, desert hikes and a booming job market. Here's how life in Phoenix compares with Calgary, and what changes when you cross the border.

Phoenix is roughly 20°C warmer than Calgary in January (about -7°C → 13°C), with little or no snow instead of about 128 cm a year and around 34 fewer sunny days. A typical home costs about the same (C$640,000 vs US$450,000), and everyday costs in Phoenix are close to the US average. For lifestyle, you gain warm winters and desert and leave behind skiing and hiking. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-7°C → 13°C (+20°)
July average
17°C → 35°C (+18°)
Sunny days a year
333 → 299
Snow a year
128 → 0 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
105 → 105
Typical home
C$640,000 → US$450,000
Property tax rate
0.65% → 0.55%
Provincial or state income tax
Low → Low
Health care in Phoenix
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in Phoenix
Airport
20 min
Ski hill
2h 30m
Beach or lake
45 min
Main industries
Healthcare, semiconductors, finance
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Warm wintersDesert
You leave behind
SkiingHiking
Wildfire: Low Flood: Low Heat: High
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
Step-by-step: Canada → USA ›Legal must-dos ›Moving FAQ ›
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Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

Moving from Calgary to Phoenix · Pinned