Moving from El Paso, TX to Gilbert, AZ
It is a 421 mi drive, roughly 7h 33m, between El Paso, TX and Gilbert, AZ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
421 mi Β· 7h 33m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, LOOP 375, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $234,775 to $572,507 moving to Gilbert.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Paso | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | β |
Annual temperature rises 5.2Β°F moving to Gilbert per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.96 |
Gilbert households earn about 14.9% more than El Paso at the median β $58,734 β $121,351 on 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
- 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 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 does the job market in Gilbert compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $234,775 in El Paso β a 143.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 421 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 421 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via I 10 and LOOP 375. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $58,734 in El Paso β a 106.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Gilbert more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 14.9% higher than El Paso (103.316 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX Β· Gilbert, AZ.