Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Goodyear, AZ
Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Goodyear, AZ is a 1901 mi cross-country relocation — about 33h 46m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1901 mi · 33h 46m by car · IN → IL → MO → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | IN → IL → MO → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Wayne | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.572 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.247 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.277 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.572 in Fort Wayne to 103.316 in Goodyear, a 11.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Goodyear: 11.6% above Fort Wayne on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Wayne +2.4%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Wayne | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 107°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 7.4" |
Major climate step-up: 23.0°F warmer annual average in Goodyear vs Fort Wayne.
Effectively snow-free year in Goodyear — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Wayne | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 266,235 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $60,293 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 35 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.87 |
Median household income in Goodyear is 11.6% above Fort Wayne ($60,293 vs $101,814, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear 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 Indiana 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 Goodyear average 107°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 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 (23.0°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
Is Goodyear more expensive than Fort Wayne?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 11.6% higher than Fort Wayne (103.316 vs 92.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fort Wayne vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $60,293 in Fort Wayne — a 68.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1901 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Fort Wayne and Goodyear?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 73.9°F in Goodyear vs 50.9°F in Fort Wayne (23.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 33.6 in. Annual precipitation: 7.4 in vs 39.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Fort Wayne?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $242,385 in Fort Wayne — a 93.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Fort Wayne?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 221,290 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Fort Wayne, IN?
The driving distance is 1901 mi and the route typically takes 33h 46m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Wayne.
City profiles: Fort Wayne, IN · Goodyear, AZ.