Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Palm Bay, FL
A 2213 mi cross-country move between Phoenix and Palm Bay is 38h 55m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2213 mi Β· 38h 55m 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 180, TX 130 |
| 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 | Palm Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 100.005 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 88.064 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 111.731 | 100.0 |
Phoenix and Palm Bay sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $410,169 in Phoenix to $302,461 in Palm Bay, a 3.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Palm Bay -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 55.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 72.5Β°F vs 72.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, PALM BAY, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 125,273 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $67,521 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 41.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 14.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.82 |
Households in Palm Bay earn about 3.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palm Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,820 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,880 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,200 | $33,940 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 16,730 | $79,650 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,660 | $73,620 |
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 Palm Bay average 91Β°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: Palm Bay averages 55.6 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
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Palm Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2213 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Palm Bay, FL from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 2213 mi and the route typically takes 38h 55m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Palm Bay more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palm Bay is 3.2% lower than Phoenix (100.005 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Palm Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,521 in Palm Bay vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 12.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Palm Bay compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $302,461 in Palm Bay vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 26.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Palm Bay compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 236,890 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· Palm Bay, FL.