Moving from Centennial, CO to Chandler, AZ
It is 850 mi between Centennial and Chandler — roughly 15h 18m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
850 mi · 15h 18m by car · AZ → NM → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 105.782 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.63 |
Households in Chandler earn about 2.3% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler 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 Colorado 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $649,086 in Centennial — a 19.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 850 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chandler more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 2.3% lower than Centennial (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $128,167 in Centennial — a 19.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 850 mi and the route typically takes 15h 18m via I 25 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 3 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 Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO · Chandler, AZ.