Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Clearwater, FL
Cross-country relocations like Gilbert, AZ β Clearwater, FL cover 2110 mi and about 37h 49m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2110 mi Β· 37h 49m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 19, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Clearwater | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 100.89 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 88.525 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.47 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 125.839 | 100.0 |
Clearwater and Gilbert are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 100.89); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Clearwater typical home at $339,488 is 2.3% under Gilbert at $572,507 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Clearwater -5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 53Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 53.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.4Β°F vs 73.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 117,075 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $64,440 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 46.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.3% between Gilbert and Clearwater (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clearwater MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 201,260 | $41,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 145,340 | $36,560 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 135,010 | $30,310 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,660 | $36,330 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 111,490 | $75,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Clearwater average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Clearwater averages 53.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Clearwater, FL from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 2110 mi and the route typically takes 37h 49m via I 10 and US 19. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Clearwater?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2110 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 Gilbert vs Clearwater?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,440 in Clearwater vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 46.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clearwater more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clearwater is 2.3% lower than Gilbert (100.89 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Clearwater compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 1,412,840 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Clearwater compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,488 in Clearwater vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 40.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Clearwater, FL.