Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Arizona to California
Arizona has become a top destination for California tax refugees, offering a flat 2.5% income tax versus California's nation-leading 13.3%. At $100,000 income, you save $3,262 annually. Arizona also has lower housing costs and no estate tax, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers.
Flat Rate
Flat 2.5% income tax (reduced from progressive system in 2023)
Highest in Nation
9 progressive brackets from 1% to 13.3%
At $100,000 income:
That is $272/month back in your pocket!
| Income | AZ Tax | CA Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,250 | $1,711 | $461 | $4,610 |
| $75,000 | $1,875 | $3,349 | $1,474 | $14,740 |
| $100,000 | $2,500 | $5,762 | $3,262 | $32,620 |
| $150,000 | $3,750 | $10,991 | $7,241 | $72,410 |
| $250,000 | $6,250 | $22,471 | $16,221 | $162,210 |
| $500,000 | $12,500 | $50,243 | $37,743 | $377,430 |
CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools. Learn more about our affiliate partnerships
Moving from Arizona to California? Multi-state returns are tricky—partial-year residency, different deadlines, avoiding double taxation. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
Get Matched With a CPA →At $100,000 income, you save $3,262 per year. The savings increase dramatically at higher incomes: $16,221 at $250K and $37,743 at $500K annually, due to California's higher marginal rates.
Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax rate on all income levels. This was reduced from a progressive system in 2023. The flat rate makes tax planning simple: your tax = income × 2.5%.
Lower taxes (2.5% vs 13.3%), affordable housing (median home ~$425K vs $750K in CA), lower cost of living, and proximity to California for visits. Phoenix and Scottsdale are popular destinations.
Arizona averages 0.62% property tax vs California's 0.74%. Both are relatively low. On a $500K home: AZ costs ~$3,100/year vs CA ~$3,700. Combined with income tax savings, Arizona is clearly cheaper.