Moving from Abilene, TX to Glendale, AZ
It is 893 mi between Abilene and Glendale — roughly 15h 12m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
893 mi · 15h 12m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Phoenix, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Glendale runs about 14.3% more expensive overall than Abilene — RPP 90.364 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,016 in Abilene to $407,332 in Glendale, a 14.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 8.3" |
Annual temperature rises 6.0°F moving to Glendale per NOAA normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.88 |
Households in Glendale earn about 14.3% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 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 does household income compare in Abilene vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 11.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Glendale more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 14.3% higher than Abilene (103.316 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 893 mi and the route typically takes 15h 12m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 94.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 65.9°F in Abilene (6.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 25.2 in.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 893 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 72,780 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 Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Glendale, AZ.