Moving from Burbank, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
The 408 mi from Burbank to Scottsdale translate to about 7h 28m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
408 mi Β· 7h 28m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Burbank | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 103.316, putting Scottsdale roughly 9.0% below Burbank on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Scottsdale: 9.0% below Burbank on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Burbank -2.4%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Burbank | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.5" | 11.6" |
Climate warms by 5.1Β°F on the annual average β 64.5Β°F β 69.6Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Burbank | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,165 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $95,816 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.06 |
Income steps up 9.0%: $95,816 in Burbank vs $107,372 in Scottsdale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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 California 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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 the job market in Scottsdale compare to Burbank?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $50,490 in the Burbank MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Burbank vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $95,816 in Burbank β a 12.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Burbank?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $1,200,885 in Burbank β a 28.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Burbank?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 9.0% lower than Burbank (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Burbank, CA?
The driving distance is 408 mi and the route typically takes 7h 28m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Burbank to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 408 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Burbank.
City profiles: Burbank, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.