Moving from Dallas, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
A move from Dallas, TX to Scottsdale, AZ covers 1085 mi and around 18h 35m 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.
1085 mi Β· 18h 35m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Dallas (103.09) and Scottsdale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 0.2% above Dallas on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dallas | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.06 |
Median household income in Scottsdale is 0.2% above Dallas ($67,760 vs $107,372, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Texas 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
- 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 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 far is Scottsdale, AZ from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 1085 mi and the route typically takes 18h 35m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1085 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 0.2% higher than Dallas (103.316 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $309,421 in Dallas β a 177.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $67,760 in Dallas β a 58.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.