Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Glendale, AZ
The drive from Scottsdale to Glendale covers 30 mi in about 48 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
30 mi Β· 48 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 101 LOOP, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Glendale and Scottsdale are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Glendale typical home at $407,332 is 0.0% under Scottsdale at $858,022 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 8.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.6Β°F vs 71.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.88 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.0% between Scottsdale and Glendale (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Glendale, AZ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 30 mi and the route typically takes 48 min via AZ 101 LOOP and I 17. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 30 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 Scottsdale vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 34.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 52.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Glendale, AZ.