Moving from Lubbock, TX to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Lubbock, TX to Tempe, AZ runs 732 mi β about 13h 36m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
732 mi Β· 13h 36m 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, Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Tempe | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.317 in Lubbock to 103.316 in Tempe, a 13.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Tempe: 13.1% above Lubbock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 8.8" |
Climate warms by 10.0Β°F on the annual average β 61.8Β°F β 71.8Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.1% between Lubbock 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 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 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 (10.0Β°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 Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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 far is Tempe, AZ from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 13h 36m via I 40 and US 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 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 Lubbock vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 28.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 123.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Tempe, AZ.