Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Fairfield, CA
Relocating 790 mi from Scottsdale to Fairfield is a 14h 32m drive through 2 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.
790 mi Β· 14h 32m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $858,022 to $609,269 moving to Fairfield.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 24.5" |
Expect 7.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 3.16 |
Median household incomes in Scottsdale ($107,372) and Fairfield ($102,321) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fairfield, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 790 mi and the route typically takes 14h 32m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 4.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 5.0% higher than Scottsdale (108.479 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 790 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Fairfield, CA.