Moving from Tempe, AZ to Tyler, TX
The drive from Tempe, AZ to Tyler, TX runs 1157 mi β about 19h 40m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1157 mi Β· 19h 40m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Tyler are 10.8% below Tempe β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tyler typical home at $251,563 is 10.8% under Tempe at $468,281 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 47.7" |
Climate cools by 5.3Β°F on the annual average β 71.8Β°F β 66.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.86 |
Income steps down 10.8%: $77,643 in Tempe vs $65,527 in Tyler.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
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 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.
- 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 Tyler average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1157 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tyler more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 10.8% lower than Tempe (92.156 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tyler compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 111,520 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tyler, TX from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1157 mi and the route typically takes 19h 40m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 15.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tyler compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 46.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ Β· Tyler, TX.