Moving from Tyler, TX to Surprise, AZ
The drive from Tyler, TX to Surprise, AZ runs 1201 mi β about 20h 36m 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.
1201 mi Β· 20h 36m 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 | Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.156 in Tyler to 103.316 in Surprise, a 12.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Surprise: 12.1% above Tyler on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 9.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.75 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.1% between Tyler and Surprise (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 Texas 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Surprise average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Surprise, AZ from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 1201 mi and the route typically takes 20h 36m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1201 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 42.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Surprise more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 12.1% higher than Tyler (103.316 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 67.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Surprise, AZ.