Moving from Tempe, AZ to Long Beach, CA
The 386 mi from Tempe to Long Beach translate to about 7h 5m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
386 mi Β· 7h 5m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 91, CA 60 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Torrance, Inglewood, Burbank, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Long Beach is 9.9% higher than Tempe, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Long Beach is 9.9% above Tempe β $468,281 vs $857,861 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 12.0" |
Climate cools by 6.9Β°F on the annual average β 71.8Β°F β 64.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.68 |
Income steps up 9.9%: $77,643 in Tempe vs $83,969 in Long Beach.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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
- Dry climate: Long Beach sees only 12.0 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
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 386 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 9.9% higher than Tempe (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 386 mi and the route typically takes 7h 5m via I 10 and CA 91. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 83.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 8.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ Β· Long Beach, CA.