There’s a lot to think about when moving to Arizona from Nebraska. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Arizona DMV to transfer your Nebraska driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Arizona from Nebraska. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Arizona state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Nebraska driver’s license to Arizona upon establishing residency.
Transfer your vehicles & get Arizona license plates upon establishing residency.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Arizona and Nebraska.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Arizona.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Arizona property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Arizona DMV to transfer your Nebraska driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Nebraska to Arizona.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Arizona.
Moving to Arizona from Nebraska Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Nebraska license & registration to Arizona.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Arizona here.
Cost of Moving from Nebraska to Arizona
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Nebraska to Arizona will cost.
The rough distance between Arizona and Nebraska is 817 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Nebraska to Arizona
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Arizona
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Arizona
When you move to Arizona, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Arizona.
Arizona Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Arizona, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $15,000 property damage liability per accident.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$587
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$1,810
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for full coverage in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Arizona Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$1,268
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Will you own or rent your home?
Arizona Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Arizona.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Arizona
Lower
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Arizona from Nebraska
Transfer your Nebraska Driver’s License
upon establishing residency.
After you’ve moved to Arizona, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Nebraska Car Registration
upon establishing residency.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Arizona license plates.
When you become a resident of Arizona, you’ll need to transfer your Nebraska driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Arizona. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Arizona is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $15,000 property damage liability per accident.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Arizona for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Nebraska Driver’s License to Arizona
Minimum Age for a Arizona Driver’s License
16 1/2 years old
A standard Arizona driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 16 1/2 years old.
Arizona Driver’s License Expires
at 65 years old, then renews every 5 years (updated photo required every 12 years)
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license at 65 years old, then renews every 5 years (updated photo required every 12 years).
Arizona Driver’s License Cost
$25.00
A driver’s license will cost around $25.00.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Arizona is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Arizona driver’s license upon establishing residency.
In Arizona, driver’s licenses are issued by the MVD.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Arizona Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Nebraska driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Arizona address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Arizona MVD will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicle-services.
Arizona Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Arizona Driver’s License Test
30 total questions
The Arizona knowledge exam will typically consist of 30 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
80%
You’ll need to score 80% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Nebraska license to Arizona, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Arizona.
Before you visit the MVD, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Arizona. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Nebraska driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Arizona driving test.
Is your Nebraska driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Nebraska driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Nebraska license should be valid when you apply for a license in Arizona.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Nebraska DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Nebraska driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Nebraska driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Nebraska driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Arizona license, it’s possible that the MVD will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Nebraska driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Arizona DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Nebraska to Arizona
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Nebraska registration to Arizona.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Arizona MVD.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicle-services
Arizona Registration Fee Basis
value-base
Arizona vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by value-base.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$9.5+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Arizona Registration Expiration
every 1, 2, or 5 years
In Arizona, you’ll need to renew your registration every 1, 2, or 5 years.
Front License Plates
A front license plate is not required in Arizona.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
There is typically no vehicle safety inspection required in Arizona.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is required biennially for Phoenix and Tucson metros in Arizona.
New residents in Arizona are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration upon establishing residency.
When moving to Arizona with vehicles from Nebraska, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Arizona registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Nebraska.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Arizona registration.
- Have a valid Arizona insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Nebraska DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Nebraska DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Arizona vs Nebraska
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Nebraska to Arizona including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Arizona.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Arizona from Nebraska.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Arizona from Nebraska
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax savings when moving to Arizona from Nebraska.
Arizona Income Tax (effective rates)
2.01% (single) & 1.94% (joint)
Arizona has a state income tax with an effective rate of 2.01% for single filers, and 1.94% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
18.01%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less in income tax in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Arizona: 18.01% (single), 17.69% (joint)
- Nebraska: 19.93% (single), 19.84% (joint)
In Arizona, your tax would be . In Nebraska, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Arizona from Nebraska
- State Income Tax (single filers): 2.01% in Arizona vs 3.96% in Nebraska
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 1.94% in Arizona vs 3.94% in Nebraska
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 18.01% in Arizona vs 19.93% in Nebraska
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 17.69% in Arizona vs 19.84% in Nebraska
Sales Tax in Arizona vs Nebraska
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Arizona Sales Tax
5.60%
Arizona has a state sales tax rate of 5.6%.
The sales tax rate is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Property Taxes in Arizona vs Nebraska
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Arizona, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Arizona Property Tax Estimate
0.66%
The property tax rate is lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Home Prices in Arizona
$225,500
On average, the average home price is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for a house in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Arizona homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Arizona vs Nebraska?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Arizona.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Arizona and Nebraska to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Arizona is
7.20% more expensive
than the national average, compared to -9.90% cheaper for Nebraska.
Arizona Cost of Living Index
107.2
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for many things in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Cost of Groceries
1.80% more expensive
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for groceries in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Housing Costs
25.30% more expensive
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for housing costs in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Arizona Utilities
-5.70% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Transportation Costs
-0.80% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less on transportation in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Healthcare in Arizona
-6.50% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Arizona. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Miscellaneous Costs
2.10% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in Arizona. You’ll likely pay more for these things in Arizona than you did in Nebraska.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Nebraska to Arizona.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Arizona.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Nebraska to Arizona.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Arizona to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Arizona local.