Moving from Bellevue, WA to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Bellevue, WA to Tempe, AZ runs 1403 mi — about 26h 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.
1403 mi · 26h 36m by car · AZ → NV → ID → OR → WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NV → ID → OR → WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bellevue | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 103.316, putting Tempe roughly 7.0% below Bellevue on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tempe: 7.0% below Bellevue on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Bellevue -2.7%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Bellevue | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 77°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 8.8" |
Major climate step-up: 18.6°F warmer annual average in Tempe vs Bellevue.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bellevue | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 151,199 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $161,300 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 38.3 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.0% between Bellevue and Tempe (ACS 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 Washington 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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 (18.6°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
What is the climate difference between Bellevue and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 53.2°F in Bellevue (18.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.8 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 37.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Bellevue?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $1,516,154 in Bellevue — a 69.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tempe more expensive than Bellevue?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 7.0% lower than Bellevue (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Bellevue 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 1403 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Bellevue vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $161,300 in Bellevue — a 51.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Bellevue, WA?
The driving distance is 1403 mi and the route typically takes 26h 36m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Bellevue?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 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 Bellevue.
City profiles: Bellevue, WA · Tempe, AZ.