Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Pasadena, CA
The 395 mi from Scottsdale to Pasadena translate to about 7h 15m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
395 mi Β· 7h 15m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.9% pricier overall in Pasadena than Scottsdale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Pasadena typical home at $1,209,228 is 9.9% above Scottsdale at $858,022 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 20.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.6Β°F vs 66.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Pasadena sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.39 |
Household income lines up β $107,372 vs $103,778 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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 does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 3.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 395 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 9.9% higher than Scottsdale (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 40.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 395 mi and the route typically takes 7h 15m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Pasadena, CA.