Moving from Tempe, AZ to Odessa, TX
Relocating 710 mi from Tempe to Odessa is a 12h 3m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
710 mi · 12h 3m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.1% cheaper overall in Odessa than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.1% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 12.3" |
Expect 7.4°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Odessa — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.54 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.1% lower in Odessa than Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 46.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 71.8°F in Tempe (7.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 5.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 710 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Odessa, TX from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 710 mi and the route typically takes 12h 3m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Odessa more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 9.1% lower than Tempe (93.896 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 76,440 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 · Odessa, TX.