Moving from Fresno, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
A move from Fresno, CA to Scottsdale, AZ covers 618 mi and around 11h 22m of driving through 2 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.
618 mi Β· 11h 22m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fresno | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.158 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 161.01 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.725 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Scottsdale and Fresno are close on the overall BEA RPP (102.158 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Scottsdale typical home at $858,022 is 1.1% above Fresno at $391,328 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fresno +0.1%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fresno | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 11.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.0Β°F vs 69.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fresno | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 543,615 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $66,804 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.03 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 1.1% above Fresno ($66,804 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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 does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Fresno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $44,530 in the Fresno MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 408,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fresno to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 618 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 Fresno, CA?
The driving distance is 618 mi and the route typically takes 11h 22m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fresno vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $66,804 in Fresno β a 60.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Fresno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $391,328 in Fresno β a 119.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Fresno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 1.1% higher than Fresno (103.316 vs 102.158, 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 Fresno.
City profiles: Fresno, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.