Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Tempe, AZ
A move from Colorado Springs, CO to Tempe, AZ covers 790 mi and around 14h 20m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
790 mi · 14h 20m by car · CO → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, I 40, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Pueblo, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Tempe | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Colorado Springs (100.707) and Tempe (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $449,452 vs $468,281 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 8.8" |
Major climate step-up: 21.3°F warmer annual average in Tempe vs Colorado Springs.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 2.6% below Colorado Springs ($83,198 → $77,643, 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 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 — 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 (21.3°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 Colorado Springs 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 790 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 790 mi and the route typically takes 14h 20m via I 25 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 6.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 4.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Colorado Springs and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs (21.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 32.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 15.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Tempe, AZ.