Moving from Surprise, AZ to Santa Clara, CA
It is 714 mi between Surprise and Santa Clara β roughly 13h 9m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
714 mi Β· 13h 9m 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 | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.9% above Surprise β 103.316 β 110.423 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 13.5" |
Annual temperature drops 9.5Β°F moving to Santa Clara per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.66 |
Santa Clara households earn about 6.9% more than Surprise at the median β $93,371 β $173,670 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 6.9% higher than Surprise (110.423 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 714 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 714 mi and the route typically takes 13h 9m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 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 Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 86.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 321.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Santa Clara, CA.