Moving from Everett, WA to Tempe, AZ
It is 1432 mi between Everett and Tempe β roughly 27h 10m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
1432 mi Β· 27h 10m by car Β· AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Everett | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Tempe at 103.316 vs Everett at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $662,786 to $468,281 moving to Tempe.
YoY change: Everett -0.9%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Everett | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 75Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.3" | 8.8" |
Expect 19.7Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EVERETT, WA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Everett | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,083 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $81,502 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.42 |
Median household incomes in Everett ($81,502) and Tempe ($77,643) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 Washington 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 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 (19.7Β°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
How does household income compare in Everett vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $81,502 in Everett β a 4.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Everett, WA?
The driving distance is 1432 mi and the route typically takes 27h 10m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Everett?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 7.0% lower than Everett (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Everett to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1432 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Everett?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $662,786 in Everett β a 29.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Everett?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $65,260 in the Everett MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Everett.
City profiles: Everett, WA Β· Tempe, AZ.