Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX
The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX runs 1015 mi β about 17h 21m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1015 mi Β· 17h 21m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Austin are 5.1% below Phoenix β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Austin typical home at $508,530 is 5.1% above Phoenix at $410,169 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 36.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 72.5Β°F vs 70.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Austin sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.2 |
Income steps up 5.1%: $77,041 in Phoenix vs $91,461 in Austin.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Austin more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 5.1% lower than Phoenix (98.066 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 18.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 24.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Austin, TX from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1015 mi and the route typically takes 17h 21m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1015 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Austin, TX.