Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Clearwater, FL
Cross-country relocations like Phoenix, AZ β Clearwater, FL cover 2130 mi and about 38h 9m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2130 mi Β· 38h 9m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 19, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Clearwater | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 100.89 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 88.525 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.47 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 125.839 | 100.0 |
Clearwater and Phoenix are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 100.89); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.3% lower in Clearwater than Phoenix as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Clearwater -5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 53Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 53.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 72.5Β°F vs 73.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 117,075 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $64,440 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 46.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 2.3%: $77,041 in Phoenix vs $64,440 in Clearwater.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clearwater MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 201,260 | $41,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 145,340 | $36,560 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 135,010 | $30,310 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,660 | $36,330 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 111,490 | $75,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Clearwater average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Clearwater averages 53.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Clearwater compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,488 in Clearwater vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 17.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Clearwater compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 1,412,840 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Clearwater, FL from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 2130 mi and the route typically takes 38h 9m via I 10 and US 19. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Clearwater more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clearwater is 2.3% lower than Phoenix (100.89 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Clearwater?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2130 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 Phoenix vs Clearwater?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,440 in Clearwater vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 16.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Clearwater, FL.