Moving from Thornton, CO to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 868 mi from Thornton to Scottsdale is a 15h 53m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
868 mi Β· 15h 53m by car Β· AZ β NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Thornton and Scottsdale sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $502,945 in Thornton to $858,022 in Scottsdale, a 2.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 17.2Β°F β 52.4Β°F in Thornton vs 69.6Β°F in Scottsdale, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.06 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.3% higher in Scottsdale than Thornton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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.
Moving between Colorado and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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 warmer climate (17.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 70.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 868 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 868 mi and the route typically takes 15h 53m via I 25 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 6.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.3% lower than Thornton (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Scottsdale, AZ.