Moving from Aurora, CO to Surprise, AZ
A move from Aurora, CO to Surprise, AZ covers 912 mi and around 15h 42m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
912 mi Β· 15h 42m by car Β· CO β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, I 40, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Surprise | 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 |
Surprise and Aurora are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.3% lower in Surprise than Aurora as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 9.6" |
NOAA normals show Surprise running 19.4Β°F above Aurora on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Surprise sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Surprise is 2.3% above Aurora ($84,320 β $93,371, 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 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
- 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.4Β°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 much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 8.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 912 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 912 mi and the route typically takes 15h 42m via I 25 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 10.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Surprise more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise 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 does the job market in Surprise compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise 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· Surprise, AZ.