Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Yonkers, NY

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Yonkers, NY is a 2482 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 44h 25m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

2482 mi Β· 44h 25m by car Β· AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ MO β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY

COL +9.0% Home values +65.8% Ξ” -19.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2482 mi
Drive time
44h 25m
States
11
Fuel (25 mpg)
99 gal
Route throughAZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ MO β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY
Primary highwaysI 40, I 44, I 70
Major cities en routeMesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

PhoenixYonkersU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.316112.563100.0
Rents93.332127.018100.0
Goods95.024110.261100.0
Services121.236148.616100.0

BEA RPP moves from 103.316 in Phoenix to 112.563 in Yonkers, a 9.0% bump on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Phoenix β€” typical home
$410,169
Yonkers β€” typical home
$680,218
Phoenix β€” typical rent
$1,567/mo
Yonkers β€” typical rent
$2,747/mo

Homes run dramatically pricier in Yonkers: 9.0% above Phoenix on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsPhoenixYonkers
Annual avg temperature73Β°F53Β°F
January avg low44Β°F23Β°F
July avg high104Β°F86Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”32.7"
Annual precipitation8.9"51.2"

Major climate step-down: 19.1Β°F cooler annual average in Yonkers vs Phoenix.

Heavy-snow city: expect 32.7 in of snowfall annually at Yonkers.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023PhoenixYonkers
Population1,624,832209,529
Median household income$77,041$81,816
Median age34.839
Bachelor's degree or higher19.9%19.6%
Avg household size2.72.6

Median household income in Yonkers is 9.0% above Phoenix ($77,041 β†’ $81,816, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Phoenix MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
Yonkers MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Phoenix MSA β€” employment
2,289,130
Yonkers MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Yonkers MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 1,165,200 $50,760
Sales and Related Occupations 806,590 $46,160
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 755,900 $44,800
Healthcare Support Occupations 755,280 $37,670
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 725,930 $100,940

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Arizona and New York

Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal
New York income tax
10.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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 20–30% 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.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • 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 New York after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Phoenix?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $410,169 in Phoenix β€” a 65.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Yonkers more expensive than Phoenix?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 9.0% higher than Phoenix (112.563 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Yonkers?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $77,041 in Phoenix β€” a 6.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Phoenix?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Yonkers?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2482 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Yonkers, NY from Phoenix, AZ?

The driving distance is 2482 mi and the route typically takes 44h 25m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 11 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· Yonkers, NY.

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