Moving from Kent, WA to Chandler, AZ
A move from Kent, WA to Chandler, AZ covers 1420 mi and around 26h 59m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1420 mi · 26h 59m by car · AZ → NV → ID → OR → WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NV → ID → OR → WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 103.316, putting Chandler roughly 7.0% below Kent on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Chandler: 7.0% below Kent on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.63 |
Median household income in Chandler is 7.0% above Kent ($90,416 → $103,691, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler 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 Washington 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chandler more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 7.0% lower than Kent (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $656,314 in Kent — a 20.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1420 mi and the route typically takes 26h 59m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $90,416 in Kent — a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1420 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA · Chandler, AZ.