Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Surprise, AZ
It is 1388 mi between Spokane Valley and Surprise β roughly 24h 3m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1388 mi Β· 24h 3m by car Β· AZ β NV β UT β ID β MT β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β UT β ID β MT β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, I 90, US 93 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Henderson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Surprise | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.346 vs 103.316 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $408,888 vs $422,473.
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 9.6" |
Expect 20.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Surprise gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.75 |
Surprise households earn about 3.0% more than Spokane Valley at the median β $70,722 β $93,371 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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 Surprise average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 (20.4Β°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 does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 32.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Surprise more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise 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 Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1388 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 1388 mi and the route typically takes 24h 3m via I 15 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise 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 much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 3.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Surprise, AZ.