Moving from Pasadena, TX to Tempe, AZ
It is 1185 mi between Pasadena and Tempe β roughly 20h 3m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1185 mi Β· 20h 3m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and Tempe sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $217,449 in Pasadena to $468,281 in Tempe, a 4.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 8.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.1Β°F vs 71.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.42 |
Tempe households earn about 4.8% more than Pasadena at the median β $64,270 β $77,643 on 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tempe, AZ from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 1185 mi and the route typically takes 20h 3m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 20.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 4.8% higher than Pasadena (103.316 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1185 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 Tempe compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 115.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Tempe, AZ.