Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Concord, CA
The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Concord, CA runs 747 mi β about 13h 41m 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.
747 mi Β· 13h 41m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Concord | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Concord is 11.9% higher than Phoenix, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Concord is 11.9% above Phoenix β $410,169 vs $742,769 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Concord -3.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 16.1" |
Climate cools by 10.5Β°F on the annual average β 72.5Β°F β 62.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 124,260 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $109,195 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 26.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.9% between Phoenix and Concord (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Concord MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
How much do homes cost in Concord compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $742,769 in Concord vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 81.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Concord, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 747 mi and the route typically takes 13h 41m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Concord more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Concord is 11.9% higher than Phoenix (115.613 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Concord?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $109,195 in Concord vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 41.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Concord?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 747 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Concord compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Concord MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 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· Concord, CA.