Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Tempe, AZ
It is a short 25 mi hop from Scottsdale, AZ to Tempe, AZ β roughly 38 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
25 mi Β· 38 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Tempe | 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%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 8.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.42 |
Tempe households earn about 0.0% less than Scottsdale at the median β $107,372 β $77,643 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 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 Tempe compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 45.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 25 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 Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 27.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 25 mi and the route typically takes 38 min via AZ 101 LOOP. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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· Tempe, AZ.