Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Scottsdale, AZ
A move from Spokane Valley, WA to Scottsdale, AZ covers 1372 mi and around 24h 8m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1372 mi Β· 24h 8m by car Β· AZ β UT β ID β MT β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β UT β ID β MT β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, I 90, US 89 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Spokane Valley (100.346) and Scottsdale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 3.0% above Spokane Valley on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 11.6" |
Major climate step-up: 19.8Β°F warmer annual average in Scottsdale vs Spokane Valley.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 3.0% above Spokane Valley ($70,722 vs $107,372, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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.
Moving between Washington and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 109.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 1372 mi and the route typically takes 24h 8m via I 15 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 51.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 3.0% higher than Spokane Valley (103.316 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1372 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 Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.