Moving from Broken Arrow, OK to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 1066 mi from Broken Arrow to Tempe is a 19h drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1066 mi Β· 19h by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Broken Arrow | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.8% above Broken Arrow β 89.214 β 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Broken Arrow +2.1%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Broken Arrow | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 8.8" |
Expect 11.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIXBY, OK US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Broken Arrow | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,919 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $85,220 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.8% lower in Tempe than Broken Arrow.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Tempe more expensive than Broken Arrow?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 15.8% higher than Broken Arrow (103.316 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Broken Arrow?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $286,846 in Broken Arrow β a 63.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Broken Arrow?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Broken Arrow vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $85,220 in Broken Arrow β a 8.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Broken Arrow to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1066 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Broken Arrow, OK?
The driving distance is 1066 mi and the route typically takes 19h via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Broken Arrow.
City profiles: Broken Arrow, OK Β· Tempe, AZ.