Moving from San Mateo, CA to Goodyear, AZ
A move from San Mateo, CA to Goodyear, AZ covers 731 mi and around 13h 48m 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.
731 mi Β· 13h 48m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Hayward, Sunnyvale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Mateo | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 115.613 to 103.316, putting Goodyear roughly 10.6% below San Mateo on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Goodyear: 10.6% below San Mateo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: San Mateo +0.6%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Mateo | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 107Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.6" | 7.4" |
Major climate step-up: 15.2Β°F warmer annual average in Goodyear vs San Mateo.
Effectively snow-free year in Goodyear β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Mateo | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,555 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $152,669 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 38 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.87 |
Median household income in Goodyear is 10.6% below San Mateo ($152,669 vs $101,814, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 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 (15.2Β°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 does the job market in Goodyear compare to San Mateo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to San Mateo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $1,686,905 in San Mateo β a 72.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Goodyear, AZ from San Mateo, CA?
The driving distance is 731 mi and the route typically takes 13h 48m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Goodyear more expensive than San Mateo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 10.6% lower than San Mateo (103.316 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from San Mateo to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 731 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in San Mateo vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $152,669 in San Mateo β a 33.3% lower 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 Mateo.
City profiles: San Mateo, CA Β· Goodyear, AZ.