Moving from Glendale, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ
The drive from Glendale to Scottsdale covers 30 mi in about 48 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
30 mi Β· 48 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 101 LOOP, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Scottsdale | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Glendale (103.316) and Scottsdale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 0.0% above Glendale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 11.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.06 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.0% between Glendale and Scottsdale (ACS 2023).
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.
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 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale 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.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 30 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 Glendale vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 53.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 30 mi and the route typically takes 48 min via AZ 101 LOOP and I 17. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 110.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Scottsdale, AZ.