Moving from Greeley, CO to Phoenix, AZ
It is 868 mi between Greeley and Phoenix β roughly 16h 29m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
868 mi Β· 16h 29m by car Β· AZ β UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 50, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Greeley | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.176 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.997 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.599 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Greeley to Phoenix β $420,464 vs $410,169 (2026-03).
YoY change: Greeley -1.6%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Greeley | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.7" | 8.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 20.4Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREELEY UNC, CO US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Greeley | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,421 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $68,650 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 32.5 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.81 | 2.7 |
Households in Phoenix earn about 3.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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 Colorado 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 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.4Β°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 Greeley vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $68,650 in Greeley β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Greeley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 3.1% higher than Greeley (103.316 vs 100.176, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Greeley to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 868 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 Phoenix compared to Greeley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $420,464 in Greeley β a 2.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Greeley, CO?
The driving distance is 868 mi and the route typically takes 16h 29m via I 70 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Greeley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $50,140 in the Greeley MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 111,210 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 Greeley.
City profiles: Greeley, CO Β· Phoenix, AZ.