Moving from Mesa, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving from Mesa, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ is a 34 mi drive, about 47 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
34 mi Β· 47 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 101 LOOP, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Goodyear, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Scottsdale and Mesa is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Scottsdale is 0.0% above Mesa β $435,134 vs $858,022 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesa (72.3Β°F) and Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 0.0% above Mesa ($78,779 vs $107,372, ACS 5-year 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 97.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 34 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 Mesa vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 36.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 34 mi and the route typically takes 47 min via AZ 101 LOOP and US 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 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 Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Scottsdale, AZ.