Do you know the battle that goes on whenever you want to move from one city to another? It is never easy. People will always want to compare the comfort between these two places. Most will worry about their security. But do you take a moment to compare the houses?
Indeed, the houses in different cities or even states tend to vary. California and Arizona will be no different. While we have multiple things that bring these two regions together, their houses are worlds apart.
Usually, once you are conversant with the difference between these houses, it will be easier to decide better. In this regard, we take a look at some of the elements that set them apart.
Types of houses
Over the years, Phoenix has embraced a sense of creativity in its real estate industry. Whether you are looking for historic bungalows or elegant downtown condos, this would be the best place for you. Often, you will get up to the seven most popular types of houses in this region.
In Arizona, you are likely to get the Pueblo Revival, Ranch-style, and bungalows. You will also be sure of contemporary modernism houses. These types of houses spell elegance and sophistication.
On the other hand, houses in California tend to focus on slight variations. With enough light, a Californian will be more comfortable. Some of the most predominant types of houses here include modern style homes. They usually feature glass and chrome. They are not only chic but also stylish.
Also, you will find styles such as Cape Cod, Spanish, Tuscan, Tudor, and Victorian dominating the state. Most of these styles tend to occupy much space, an aspect you will not witness in Arizona. Besides, you will hardly get any of such types of houses in Phoenix.
Cost of houses
Indeed, the cost of houses in these two states is distinctively apart.
For instance, building a 2000 square feet house in Phoenix could cost you between $150000 and $435000. Ideally, the average cost of building a house is about $150 per square foot. With this figure, you could readily build your house at an average of $206000. On the other hand, if you consider buying a home, you could spend around $296000.
On the other hand, you will most likely spend over half a million USD on houses in California. Whether you are buying or building one, the amount will most likely be within the same range. The median price for houses in this region stands at about $571000.
Remember, this price is likely to rise soon, at a projected rate of 4.9%. Also, you will appreciate that new homes in California tend to cost much more per square foot, which is $315. This figure is more than double what you spend in Arizona. Well, you will witness that there are various places in the state, including San Francisco, where the cost is $997 per square foot.
If you were to compare per square meter, you would spend $6966 in California, while a house in Arizona will go at $2145 on average. This significant difference could be the reason for your financial stability in the long run.
We could attribute this difference to the standard & costs of living. Undoubtedly, California prides itself on a higher standard of living. The best part is that the average income in the area comes in handy in cushioning the skyrocketing costs.
Size of houses
Over the years, there has been incredible growth in the average size of houses in California. Did you know that Los Angeles is the home to the biggest mansion, the McMansion? Currently, the median size of a home in this state is approximately 1800 square feet. It seems relatively smaller compared to the national average of 2430 square feet, right?
Well, let’s take a look at the size in Arizona. Usually, you will get most houses in this region as big as up to 2500 square feet on average. However, you should remember that most people now tend to prefer bigger homes. Compared to California and the national average, Phoenix seems to be in a much better position.
Cost of insurance
Ideally, the cost of insurance varies across the country. You will also find that it is dependent on the size, value, and region. The condition and age of the home will also matter in this pursuit. Our focus is on California and Arizona.
For instance, the average rate in Arizona is about $1960. On the other hand, you will spend about $1166 in California. In both states, their averages tend to be much lower than the national average of 2305. Despite Arizona’s being much higher, you will comfortably cushion it with the lower costs of living in the region.
Property Taxes
You can hardly ignore the vast difference in property taxes between these two states. On average, Californians will part with up to 9.3% in income tax, which is higher than the 4.5 in Arizona.
Also, you will find that the state sale tax in Arizona and California is 6.6% and 7.25, respectively. This relatively high tax could easily make selling and buying houses to be a daunting task for many people.
Well, how about property tax? Still, California’s $1449 is much higher than the other state’s $1043. With this big difference, you could most likely want to move to the latter. Well, how about we look at some of the things you would find attractive in Arizona?
Usually, their roads tend to be less congested, especially in the metro areas. Besides, you will be confident of getting enough parking space here. You will also be sure of a better cost of living.
Indeed, the difference between these two states is enormous. Therefore, if you were to choose, you would ideally consider your preferences. Or would you love to check houses in Tennessee too? Homes in Tennessee are relatively similar to those in Arizona. Whichever option suits your lifestyle, it should be your priority at all times.
