Moving from El Paso, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving from El Paso, TX to Scottsdale, AZ covers 450 mi and about 8h 2m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
450 mi Β· 8h 2m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, AZ 101 LOOP, LOOP 375 |
| Major cities en route | Las Cruces, Tucson, Goodyear, Chandler, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Scottsdale | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.912 in El Paso to 103.316 in Scottsdale, a 14.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 14.9% above El Paso on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Paso | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 14.9% above El Paso ($58,734 vs $107,372, ACS 5-year 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 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 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.
- 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 Scottsdale compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $234,775 in El Paso β a 265.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale 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.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 2m via I 10 and AZ 101 LOOP. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale 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.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $58,734 in El Paso β a 82.8% 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 El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.