Moving from San Antonio, TX to Phoenix, AZ
Relocating 986 mi from San Antonio to Phoenix is a 16h 31m drive through 3 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.
986 mi Β· 16h 31m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Phoenix runs about 9.1% more expensive overall than San Antonio β RPP 94.716 β 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $249,810 in San Antonio to $410,169 in Phoenix, a 9.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Antonio | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 8.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.0Β°F vs 72.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.1% β $62,917 β $77,041 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 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.
- 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 far is Phoenix, AZ from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 986 mi and the route typically takes 16h 31m 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 Phoenix compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $249,810 in San Antonio β a 64.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 986 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Phoenix more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 9.1% higher than San Antonio (103.316 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $62,917 in San Antonio β a 22.4% 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 San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX Β· Phoenix, AZ.