Moving from Surprise, AZ to Mesa, AZ
Relocating between Surprise, AZ and Mesa, AZ is a 61 mi drive — 1h 21m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
61 mi · 1h 21m by car · AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 10, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.316 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $422,473 vs $435,134.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Surprise | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 10.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Surprise (70.2°F) and Mesa (72.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.59 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% lower in Mesa than Surprise.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa 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.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesa 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: Mesa sees only 10.8 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 61 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 61 mi and the route typically takes 1h 21m via US 60 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $422,473 in Surprise — a 3.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $93,371 in Surprise — a 15.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ · Mesa, AZ.