Moving from Dearborn, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Dearborn, MI β Scottsdale, AZ cover 1962 mi and about 35h 45m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1962 mi Β· 35h 45m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Scottsdale and Dearborn is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Scottsdale is 3.0% above Dearborn β $245,068 vs $858,022 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dearborn | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 11.6" |
Scottsdale runs 20.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.5Β°F vs 69.6Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN, MI US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.06 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.0% between Dearborn and Scottsdale (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 Michigan 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 (20.1Β°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 Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 3.0% higher than Dearborn (103.316 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1962 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 Dearborn?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 1962 mi and the route typically takes 35h 45m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $245,068 in Dearborn β a 250.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $65,192 in Dearborn β a 64.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI Β· Scottsdale, AZ.