Moving from Dallas, TX to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 1060 mi from Dallas to Tempe is a 18h 4m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1060 mi · 18h 4m by car · TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → 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 | Tempe | 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 |
Dallas and Tempe sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $309,421 in Dallas to $468,281 in Tempe, a 0.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 8.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 68.0°F vs 71.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.2% higher in Tempe than Dallas.
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 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 — 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
- 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.
- 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 Tempe, AZ from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 1060 mi and the route typically takes 18h 4m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 14.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 51.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dallas 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 1060 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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 Tempe compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 68.0°F in Dallas (3.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 38.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Tempe, AZ.