Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Gilbert to Tempe covers 19 mi in about 27 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
19 mi Β· 27 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 202 LOOP, AZ 101 LOOP, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe and Gilbert are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% lower in Tempe than Gilbert as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 8.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.4Β°F vs 71.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.0% between Gilbert and Tempe (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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 18.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 19 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 19 mi and the route typically takes 27 min via AZ 202 LOOP and AZ 101 LOOP. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Tempe, AZ.