Moving from Surprise, AZ to San Mateo, CA
Relocating 736 mi from Surprise to San Mateo is a 13h 34m drive through 2 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.
736 mi Β· 13h 34m 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 | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | San Mateo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.9% above Surprise β 103.316 β 115.613 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, San Mateo +0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 19.6" |
Expect 11.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 103,555 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $152,669 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.9% β $93,371 β $152,669 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Mateo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Surprise to San Mateo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 736 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in San Mateo compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs San Mateo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $152,669 in San Mateo vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 63.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in San Mateo compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,686,905 in San Mateo vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 299.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is San Mateo, CA from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 736 mi and the route typically takes 13h 34m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is San Mateo more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Mateo is 11.9% higher than Surprise (115.613 vs 103.316, 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 Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· San Mateo, CA.