Moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Glendale, AZ
A move from Sunnyvale, CA to Glendale, AZ covers 716 mi and around 13h 14m of driving through 2 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.
716 mi Β· 13h 14m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sunnyvale | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.423 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 156.659 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 211.901 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Glendale is 6.4% cheaper than Sunnyvale overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Glendale is 6.4% below Sunnyvale β $2,168,909 vs $407,332 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sunnyvale -0.1%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sunnyvale | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.5" | 8.3" |
Glendale runs 12.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (59.9Β°F vs 71.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Glendale 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: MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sunnyvale | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,455 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $181,862 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.3% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.88 |
Median household income in Glendale is 6.4% below Sunnyvale ($181,862 vs $70,139, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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 California 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale 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: Glendale sees only 8.3 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 (12.0Β°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 does the job market in Glendale compare to Sunnyvale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,141,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Sunnyvale, CA?
The driving distance is 716 mi and the route typically takes 13h 14m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Glendale more expensive than Sunnyvale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 6.4% lower than Sunnyvale (103.316 vs 110.423, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Sunnyvale vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $181,862 in Sunnyvale β a 61.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sunnyvale to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 716 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Sunnyvale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale β a 81.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sunnyvale.
City profiles: Sunnyvale, CA Β· Glendale, AZ.