Moving from Mesa, AZ to Glendale, CA
Relocating between Mesa, AZ and Glendale, CA is a 403 mi drive β 7h 22m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
403 mi Β· 7h 22m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $435,134 to $1,201,880 moving to Glendale.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Glendale -0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 16.5" |
Expect 7.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Glendale 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: E MESA, AZ US, BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 192,270 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $84,262 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 41.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 28.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.63 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.9% higher in Glendale than Mesa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Glendale, CA from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 403 mi and the route typically takes 7h 22m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 403 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 Glendale compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,201,880 in Glendale vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 176.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Glendale MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,262 in Glendale vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 7.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Glendale more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 9.9% higher than Mesa (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Glendale, CA.