Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Clovis, CA
The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Clovis, CA runs 599 mi β about 11h 3m 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.
599 mi Β· 11h 3m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Phoenix (103.316) and Clovis (102.158) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Clovis: 1.1% above Phoenix on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 11.0" |
Climate cools by 7.5Β°F on the annual average β 72.5Β°F β 65.0Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Clovis β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.99 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.1% between Phoenix and Clovis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clovis average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Clovis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 599 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Clovis, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 599 mi and the route typically takes 11h 3m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 27.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 30.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clovis more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 1.1% lower than Phoenix (102.158 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 408,820 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Clovis, CA.