Moving from Centennial, CO to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 843 mi from Centennial to Tempe is a 15h 12m 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.
843 mi Β· 15h 12m 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 | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | 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 β 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 Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $468,281 moving to Tempe.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 8.8" |
Expect 21.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.3% β $128,167 β $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 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 Tempe 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: 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 (21.6Β°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 Centennial to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 843 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 27.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 39.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 843 mi and the route typically takes 15h 12m via I 25 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 2.3% lower than Centennial (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Tempe, AZ.