Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Scottsdale, AZ
It is 786 mi between Colorado Springs and Scottsdale β roughly 14h 22m 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.
786 mi Β· 14h 22m by car Β· CO β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, I 40, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Pueblo, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Colorado Springs and Scottsdale sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $449,452 in Colorado Springs to $858,022 in Scottsdale, a 2.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 19.1Β°F β 50.5Β°F in Colorado Springs vs 69.6Β°F in Scottsdale, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.06 |
Scottsdale households earn about 2.6% more than Colorado Springs at the median β $83,198 β $107,372 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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 (19.1Β°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 Scottsdale more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.6% higher than Colorado Springs (103.316 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 786 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 29.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 786 mi and the route typically takes 14h 22m via I 25 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 90.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO Β· Scottsdale, AZ.