Moving from Houston, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 1189 mi from Houston to Scottsdale is a 20h 9m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1189 mi Β· 20h 9m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Houston | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 98.629 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $264,336 to $858,022 moving to Scottsdale.
YoY change: Houston -2.9%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Houston | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.1" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Houston (70.6Β°F) and Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON-PORT, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Houston | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,300,419 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $62,894 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.8% β $62,894 β $107,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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 far is Scottsdale, AZ from Houston, TX?
The driving distance is 1189 mi and the route typically takes 20h 9m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Houston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 4.8% higher than Houston (103.316 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Houston vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $62,894 in Houston β a 70.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Houston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $46,960 in the Houston MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Houston to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1189 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 Scottsdale compared to Houston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $264,336 in Houston β a 224.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Houston.
City profiles: Houston, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.