Moving from Round Rock, TX to Surprise, AZ
A move from Round Rock, TX to Surprise, AZ covers 1062 mi and around 18h 22m of driving through 3 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.
1062 mi · 18h 22m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Surprise is 5.4% higher than Round Rock, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Round Rock and Surprise are within 5% of each other ($407,077 vs $422,473 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.75 |
Median household incomes in Round Rock ($97,187) and Surprise ($93,371) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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 Texas 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.
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.
- 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 Surprise compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock 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 1062 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1062 mi and the route typically takes 18h 22m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 3.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 3.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Surprise more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 5.4% higher than Round Rock (103.316 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Surprise, AZ.