Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Philadelphia, PA
It is 2330 mi and 42h 34m from Scottsdale to Philadelphia β a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2330 mi Β· 42h 34m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 70, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.316 vs 102.554 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $858,022 to $231,815 moving to Philadelphia.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 50.7" |
Expect 11.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.7% β $107,372 β $60,698 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.9Β°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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 0.7% lower than Scottsdale (102.554 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 43.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 73.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 2330 mi and the route typically takes 42h 34m via I 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2330 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· Philadelphia, PA.