Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 1384 mi from Spokane Valley to Tempe is a 24h 17m drive through 5 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.
1384 mi Β· 24h 17m 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, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Tempe | 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
Expect roughly 3.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 8.8" |
Expect 22.0Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Tempe 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, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.0% higher in Tempe than Spokane Valley.
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.
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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (22.0Β°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 far is Tempe, AZ from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 1384 mi and the route typically takes 24h 17m via I 15 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1384 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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 Tempe compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 14.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 9.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Tempe, AZ.