Moving from Glendale, AZ to Surprise, AZ
Relocating from Glendale, AZ to Surprise, AZ? The drive is 21 mi — about 38 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
21 mi · 38 min by car · AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Surprise | 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 |
Glendale and Surprise sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Surprise ($422,473) sits close to Glendale ($407,332) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Glendale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 9.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 71.9°F vs 70.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Surprise sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% — $70,139 → $93,371 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 20–30% 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 Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Surprise, AZ from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 21 mi and the route typically takes 38 min via US 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 21 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $70,139 in Glendale — a 33.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $407,332 in Glendale — a 3.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale 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.
What is the climate difference between Glendale and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 71.9°F in Glendale (1.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 8.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ · Surprise, AZ.