Moving from Green Bay, WI to Tempe, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Green Bay, WI β Tempe, AZ cover 1816 mi and about 34h 5m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1816 mi Β· 34h 5m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Tempe is 11.0% higher than Green Bay, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tempe is 11.0% above Green Bay β $278,024 vs $468,281 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 27.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (44.7Β°F vs 71.8Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.0% between Green Bay 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.
Moving between Wisconsin 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (27.1Β°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
Is Tempe more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 11.0% higher than Green Bay (103.316 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1816 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 Green Bay vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 24.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 68.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 1816 mi and the route typically takes 34h 5m via US 54 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Tempe, AZ.