Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Surprise, AZ
The 67 mi from Gilbert to Surprise translate to about 1h 29m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
67 mi Β· 1h 29m by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, AZ 202 LOOP, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Surprise and Gilbert are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 103.316); 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: Surprise typical home at $422,473 is 0.0% under Gilbert at $572,507 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 9.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.4Β°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: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.75 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.0% between Gilbert 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 67 mi and the route typically takes 1h 29m via I 10 and AZ 202 LOOP. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 23.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 26.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 67 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Surprise, AZ.