Moving from Tempe, AZ to Santa Clara, CA
It is 727 mi between Tempe and Santa Clara β roughly 13h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 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.
727 mi Β· 13h 22m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $468,281 to $1,782,192 moving to Santa Clara.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 13.5" |
Annual temperature drops 11.1Β°F moving to Santa Clara per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.66 |
Santa Clara households earn about 6.9% more than Tempe at the median β $77,643 β $173,670 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 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 colder climate (11.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 727 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 6.9% higher than Tempe (110.423 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 727 mi and the route typically takes 13h 22m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 280.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 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 Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 123.7% 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· Santa Clara, CA.