Moving from Chandler, AZ to Glendale, CA
The 401 mi from Chandler to Glendale translate to about 7h 20m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
401 mi · 7h 20m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.9% pricier overall in Glendale than Chandler on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Glendale typical home at $1,201,880 is 9.9% above Chandler at $524,156 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Glendale -0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 192,270 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $84,262 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 41.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 28.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.63 |
Income steps down 9.9%: $103,691 in Chandler vs $84,262 in Glendale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- 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
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Glendale, CA from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 401 mi and the route typically takes 7h 20m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,201,880 in Glendale vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 129.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Glendale more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 9.9% higher than Chandler (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chandler to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 401 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,262 in Glendale vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 18.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Glendale MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 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 Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Glendale, CA.