Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Houston, TX
A move from Phoenix, AZ to Houston, TX covers 1183 mi and around 19h 59m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1183 mi Β· 19h 59m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Phoenix (103.316) and Houston (98.629) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Houston: 4.5% below Phoenix on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 54.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Houston β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.51 |
Median household income in Houston is 4.5% below Phoenix ($77,041 β $62,894, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93Β°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: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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
How does the job market in Houston compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 35.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Houston more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 4.5% lower than Phoenix (98.629 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 Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1183 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 Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Houston, TX from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1183 mi and the route typically takes 19h 59m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Houston, TX.