Moving from Fairfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 790 mi from Fairfield to Scottsdale is a 14h 32m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
790 mi Β· 14h 32m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fairfield | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 11.6" |
Expect 7.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.06 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 California 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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 does household income compare in Fairfield vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $102,321 in Fairfield β a 4.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 790 mi and the route typically takes 14h 32m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 4.8% lower than Fairfield (103.316 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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 β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $609,269 in Fairfield β a 40.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fairfield.
City profiles: Fairfield, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.