Moving from College Station, TX to Gilbert, AZ
The drive from College Station, TX to Gilbert, AZ runs 1102 mi β about 19h 4m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1102 mi Β· 19h 4m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.6% pricier overall in Gilbert than College Station on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Gilbert typical home at $572,507 is 13.6% above College Station at $349,041 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.4Β°F vs 71.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.6% between College Station and Gilbert (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert 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 Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $349,041 in College Station β a 64.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1102 mi and the route typically takes 19h 4m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Gilbert more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 13.6% higher than College Station (103.316 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $51,776 in College Station β a 134.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1102 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Gilbert, AZ.