Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Odessa, TX
It is 726 mi between Phoenix and Odessa β roughly 12h 24m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
726 mi Β· 12h 24m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.1% cheaper overall in Odessa than Phoenix on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 12.3" |
Annual temperature drops 8.1Β°F moving to Odessa per NOAA normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Odessa β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.54 |
Households in Odessa earn about 9.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
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 Odessa average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 38.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Odessa, TX from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 726 mi and the route typically takes 12h 24m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 5.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 726 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 Odessa compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Odessa more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 9.1% lower than Phoenix (93.896 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Odessa, TX.