Moving from Tempe, AZ to Chandler, AZ
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Chandler, AZ is a 12 mi drive, about 18 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
12 mi · 18 min by car · AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 101 LOOP, US 60, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Chandler | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Tempe (103.316) and Chandler (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Chandler at $524,156 is 0.0% above Tempe at $468,281.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.63 |
Median household income in Chandler is 0.0% above Tempe ($77,643 vs $103,691, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 11.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 12 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 33.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 12 mi and the route typically takes 18 min via AZ 101 LOOP and US 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe 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 Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Chandler, AZ.