Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Relocating 730 mi from Scottsdale to San Jose is a 13h 30m 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.
730 mi Β· 13h 30m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Fremont, Hayward, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Salinas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | San Jose | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
San Jose runs about 6.9% more expensive overall than Scottsdale β RPP 103.316 β 110.423.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $858,022 in Scottsdale to $1,463,614 in San Jose, a 6.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, San Jose -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 16.1" |
Expect 8.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: San Jose sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 990,054 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $141,565 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 26.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 3.03 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.9% β $107,372 β $141,565 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Jose MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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
- 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 much do homes cost in San Jose compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,463,614 in San Jose vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 70.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is San Jose more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Jose is 6.9% higher than Scottsdale (110.423 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs San Jose?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $141,565 in San Jose vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 31.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in San Jose compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the San Jose MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is San Jose, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 730 mi and the route typically takes 13h 30m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to San Jose?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 730 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· San Jose, CA.