Moving from Denton, TX to Surprise, AZ
The drive from Denton, TX to Surprise, AZ runs 1073 mi β about 18h 41m 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.
1073 mi Β· 18h 41m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 287, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Surprise | 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 |
Surprise and Denton are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.2% higher in Surprise than Denton as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 9.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.4Β°F vs 70.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Surprise sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 31 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.75 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.2% between Denton and Surprise (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Surprise average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 Surprise, AZ from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 1073 mi and the route typically takes 18h 41m via I 40 and US 287. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Surprise more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 0.2% higher than Denton (103.316 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Denton to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1073 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Denton vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $73,719 in Denton β a 26.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $354,135 in Denton β a 19.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Surprise, AZ.