Moving from Rochester, MN to Tempe, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Rochester, MN → Tempe, AZ cover 1602 mi and about 29h 28m 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.
1602 mi · 29h 28m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, I 35, AZ 77 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Tempe | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Tempe is 13.8% higher than Rochester, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tempe is 13.8% above Rochester — $339,455 vs $468,281 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 27.0°F warmer on the annual average (44.8°F vs 71.8°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 13.8%: $87,767 in Rochester vs $77,643 in Tempe.
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 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 Tempe average 106°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 (27.0°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
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1602 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 11.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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 does the job market in Tempe compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1602 mi and the route typically takes 29h 28m via US 54 and I 35. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 38.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 44.8°F in Rochester (27.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 34.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Tempe, AZ.