Moving from Rochester, MN to Surprise, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Rochester, MN → Surprise, AZ cover 1656 mi and about 29h 44m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1656 mi · 29h 44m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.821 in Rochester to 103.316 in Surprise, a 13.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Surprise: 13.8% above Rochester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 9.6" |
Major climate step-up: 25.4°F warmer annual average in Surprise vs Rochester.
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.75 |
Income steps up 13.8%: $87,767 in Rochester vs $93,371 in Surprise.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 Minnesota 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 — 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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 (25.4°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 far is Surprise, AZ from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1656 mi and the route typically takes 29h 44m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 44.8°F in Rochester (25.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 34.7 in.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Surprise more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 13.8% higher than Rochester (103.316 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 24.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Surprise, AZ.