Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ
A move from Salt Lake City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ covers 664 mi and around 12h 31m of driving through 2 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.
664 mi · 12h 31m by car · AZ → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 89, I 15, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salt Lake City | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Salt Lake City (100.868) and Scottsdale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 2.4% above Salt Lake City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Salt Lake City +1.6%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Salt Lake City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 99°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 17.7" | 11.6" |
Scottsdale runs 13.8°F warmer on the annual average (55.8°F vs 69.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salt Lake City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 203,888 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $74,925 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 33 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 2.4% above Salt Lake City ($74,925 vs $107,372, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Utah 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.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
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 99°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 (13.8°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 Scottsdale, AZ from Salt Lake City, UT?
The driving distance is 664 mi and the route typically takes 12h 31m via US 89 and I 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Salt Lake City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Salt Lake City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $573,181 in Salt Lake City — a 49.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Salt Lake City to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 664 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Salt Lake City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.4% higher than Salt Lake City (103.316 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Salt Lake City vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $74,925 in Salt Lake City — a 43.3% 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 Salt Lake City.
City profiles: Salt Lake City, UT · Scottsdale, AZ.