Moving from Mesa, AZ to Tempe, AZ
Relocating from Mesa, AZ to Tempe, AZ? The drive is 14 mi β about 19 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
14 mi Β· 19 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Tempe | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.0% above Mesa β $435,134 β $468,281 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 8.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.42 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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.
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 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 14 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 Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 1.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 14 mi and the route typically takes 19 min via US 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 7.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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· Tempe, AZ.