Moving from Tempe, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
The drive from Tempe to Phoenix covers 21 mi in about 33 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
21 mi Β· 33 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 60, AZ 51 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Phoenix | 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 Phoenix (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Phoenix ZHVI at $410,169 is 0.0% below Tempe at $468,281.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 8.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.7 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 21 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 21 mi and the route typically takes 33 min via I 10 and US 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 0.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix 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 Β· Phoenix, AZ.