Moving from Burbank, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Relocating between Burbank, CA and Phoenix, AZ is a 388 mi drive β 7h 2m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
388 mi Β· 7h 2m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Burbank | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.0% moving from Burbank to Phoenix β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,200,885 in Burbank to $410,169 in Phoenix, a 9.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Burbank -2.4%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Burbank | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.5" | 8.9" |
Expect 8.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Burbank | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,165 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $95,816 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.7 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.0% lower in Phoenix than Burbank.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 California 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Burbank?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $50,490 in the Burbank MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Burbank?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $1,200,885 in Burbank β a 65.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Burbank vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $95,816 in Burbank β a 19.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Burbank, CA?
The driving distance is 388 mi and the route typically takes 7h 2m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Burbank to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 388 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Burbank?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 9.0% lower than Burbank (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Burbank.
City profiles: Burbank, CA Β· Phoenix, AZ.