Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Phoenix, AZ
The drive from Colorado Springs, CO to Phoenix, AZ runs 834 mi β about 14h 22m 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.
834 mi Β· 14h 22m by car Β· AZ β NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, I 40, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Phoenix and Colorado Springs is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Phoenix is 2.6% below Colorado Springs ($410,169 vs $449,452 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 8.9" |
Phoenix runs 22.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.5Β°F vs 72.5Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.7 |
Income steps down 2.6%: $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $77,041 in Phoenix.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 (22.0Β°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 Phoenix compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 8.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 834 mi and the route typically takes 14h 22m 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 Colorado Springs vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 7.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 834 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 2.6% higher than Colorado Springs (103.316 vs 100.707, 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 Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO Β· Phoenix, AZ.