Moving from Lubbock, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 727 mi from Lubbock to Scottsdale is a 13h 38m 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.
727 mi Β· 13h 38m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 84, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.1% above Lubbock β 91.317 β 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 11.6" |
Expect 7.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.1% β $60,487 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 Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 727 mi and the route typically takes 13h 38m via I 40 and US 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 727 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 13.1% higher than Lubbock (103.316 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 77.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 309.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.