Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Cleveland, OH
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Cleveland, OH is a 2003 mi cross-country relocation β about 36h 15m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2003 mi Β· 36h 15m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cleveland is 9.1% cheaper than Scottsdale overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cleveland is 9.1% below Scottsdale β $858,022 vs $115,537 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 33.3" |
Cleveland runs 17.3Β°F colder on the annual average (69.6Β°F vs 52.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.18 |
Median household income in Cleveland is 9.1% below Scottsdale ($107,372 vs $39,187, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 63.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 2003 mi and the route typically takes 36h 15m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 86.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2003 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 9.1% lower than Scottsdale (93.923 vs 103.316, 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Cleveland, OH.