Moving from Mesa, AZ to Surprise, AZ
It is a 61 mi drive, roughly 1h 21m, between Mesa, AZ and Surprise, AZ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
61 mi Β· 1h 21m by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 10, AZ 101 LOOP |
| 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 | Surprise | 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 price level is comparable β 103.316 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $435,134 vs $422,473.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 9.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesa (72.3Β°F) and Surprise (70.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Surprise 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, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.75 |
Households in Surprise earn about 0.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 Surprise average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 does household income compare in Mesa vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 18.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 61 mi and the route typically takes 1h 21m via US 60 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise 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.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 61 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 Surprise compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 2.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Surprise, AZ.