Moving from Tacoma, WA to Phoenix, AZ
It is 1403 mi between Tacoma and Phoenix β roughly 26h 48m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
1403 mi Β· 26h 48m by car Β· AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.0% moving from Tacoma to Phoenix β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Phoenix run about 7.0% cheaper β ZHVI $493,840 β $410,169 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 8.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 18.8Β°F β 53.7Β°F in Tacoma vs 72.5Β°F in Phoenix, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.7 |
Households in Phoenix earn about 7.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 Washington 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 (18.8Β°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 far is Phoenix, AZ from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 1403 mi and the route typically takes 26h 48m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1403 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 8.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 7.0% lower than Tacoma (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 16.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Phoenix, AZ.