Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Relocating from Scottsdale, AZ to Phoenix, AZ? The drive is 20 mi β about 36 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
20 mi Β· 36 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 51, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Phoenix | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 8.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $107,372 β $77,041 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 52.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 20 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 Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 28.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 20 mi and the route typically takes 36 min via AZ 51 and AZ 101 LOOP. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Phoenix, AZ.