Moving from Renton, WA to Tempe, AZ
A move from Renton, WA to Tempe, AZ covers 1410 mi and around 26h 42m of driving through 5 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.
1410 mi Β· 26h 42m by car Β· AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe is 7.0% cheaper than Renton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tempe is 7.0% below Renton β $764,375 vs $468,281 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 18.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.6Β°F vs 71.8Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 7.0% below Renton ($96,626 β $77,643, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 Washington 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 does the job market in Tempe compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1410 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $764,375 in Renton β a 38.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 1410 mi and the route typically takes 26h 42m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 7.0% lower than Renton (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $96,626 in Renton β a 19.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Tempe, AZ.