Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 1187 mi from Sugar Land to Scottsdale is a 20h 4m drive through 3 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.
1187 mi Β· 20h 4m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 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
4.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.8% β $137,511 β $107,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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.
- 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 Sugar Land vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 21.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 1187 mi and the route typically takes 20h 4m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 91.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 4.8% higher than Sugar Land (103.316 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1187 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 Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.