Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Phoenix, AZ
A move from Fort Worth, TX to Phoenix, AZ covers 1043 mi and around 17h 47m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1043 mi Β· 17h 47m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fort Worth (103.09) and Phoenix (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Phoenix: 0.2% above Fort Worth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 8.9" |
Phoenix runs 5.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (67.5Β°F vs 72.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.7 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 does the job market in Phoenix compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 1043 mi and the route typically takes 17h 47m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 37.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 0.2% higher than Fort Worth (103.316 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1043 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Phoenix, AZ.