Moving from Aurora, CO to Mesa, AZ
Relocating 856 mi from Aurora to Mesa is a 15h 24m 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.
856 mi Β· 15h 24m 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 | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Mesa | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.3% under Aurora β $463,081 β $435,134 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 10.8" |
Annual average temperature gap of 21.5Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.59 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.3% lower in Mesa than Aurora.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa 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 Mesa average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 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 (21.5Β°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
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 856 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mesa more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 2.3% lower than Aurora (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 856 mi and the route typically takes 15h 24m via I 25 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 6.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 6.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Mesa, AZ.