Moving from Richmond, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 779 mi from Richmond to Scottsdale is a 14h 20m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
779 mi Β· 14h 20m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Scottsdale at 103.316 vs Richmond at 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $606,427 to $858,022 moving to Scottsdale.
YoY change: Richmond -5.4%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 71Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 11.6" |
Expect 10.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,396 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.06 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.6% higher in Scottsdale than Richmond.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8Β°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 Scottsdale compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $72,050 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 779 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 10.6% lower than Richmond (103.316 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Richmond, CA?
The driving distance is 779 mi and the route typically takes 14h 20m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $606,427 in Richmond β a 41.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $90,038 in Richmond β a 19.3% higher 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 Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.