Moving from Arvada, CO to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 831 mi from Arvada to Tempe is a 15h 47m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
831 mi · 15h 47m by car · AZ → UT → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 50, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | Tempe | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable — 105.782 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.3% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $616,566 to $468,281 moving to Tempe.
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Arvada | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 8.8" |
Expect 21.5°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.3% — $113,396 → $77,643 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 — 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.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — 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 Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 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 (21.5°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 household income compare in Arvada vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $113,396 in Arvada — a 31.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 831 mi and the route typically takes 15h 47m via I 70 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Arvada?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $616,566 in Arvada — a 24.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Arvada and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 50.3°F in Arvada (21.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 75.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 17.1 in.
When is the best time to move from Arvada to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 831 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 2.3% lower than Arvada (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Arvada?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $58,490 in the Arvada 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO · Tempe, AZ.