Moving from Rancho Cucamonga, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Scottsdale, AZ is a 363 mi drive β 6h 36m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
363 mi Β· 6h 36m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rancho Cucamonga | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.9% above Rancho Cucamonga β $792,765 β $858,022 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Rancho Cucamonga -0.6%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rancho Cucamonga | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rancho Cucamonga | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 174,693 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $109,511 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.8% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.01 | 2.06 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
The driving distance is 363 mi and the route typically takes 6h 36m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rancho Cucamonga to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 363 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 Rancho Cucamonga vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga β a 2.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Rancho Cucamonga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $792,765 in Rancho Cucamonga β a 8.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Rancho Cucamonga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.9% lower than Rancho Cucamonga (103.316 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Rancho Cucamonga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $47,450 in the Rancho Cucamonga MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,661,860 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 Rancho Cucamonga.
City profiles: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.