Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Sugar Land, TX to Tempe, AZ runs 1161 mi — about 19h 33m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1161 mi · 19h 33m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Tempe | 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 |
Tempe and Sugar Land are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.629 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sugar Land | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 8.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 70.6°F vs 71.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.8% between Sugar Land and Tempe (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.
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Tempe average 106°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.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $447,176 in Sugar Land — a 4.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 1161 mi and the route typically takes 19h 33m 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 Tempe compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
What is the climate difference between Sugar Land and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 70.6°F in Sugar Land (1.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 51.1 in.
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $137,511 in Sugar Land — a 43.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX · Tempe, AZ.