Moving from Carrollton, TX to Tempe, AZ
A move from Carrollton, TX to Tempe, AZ covers 1063 mi and around 18h 3m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1063 mi Β· 18h 3m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carrollton | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe and Carrollton are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.2% higher in Tempe than Carrollton as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Carrollton -4.6%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carrollton | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 6.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (65.8Β°F vs 71.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carrollton | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,741 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $99,115 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 0.2% below Carrollton ($99,115 vs $77,643, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Texas 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.
- 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 Carrollton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 0.2% higher than Carrollton (103.316 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Carrollton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $406,040 in Carrollton β a 15.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Carrollton, TX?
The driving distance is 1063 mi and the route typically takes 18h 3m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Carrollton to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1063 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Carrollton vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $99,115 in Carrollton β a 21.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Carrollton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Carrollton.
City profiles: Carrollton, TX Β· Tempe, AZ.