Moving from Glendale, AZ to Tuscaloosa, AL
Cross-country relocations like Glendale, AZ β Tuscaloosa, AL cover 1664 mi and about 28h 53m of driving through 6 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.
1664 mi Β· 28h 53m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 87.722, putting Tuscaloosa roughly 15.1% below Glendale on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tuscaloosa: 15.1% below Glendale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 57.3" |
Climate cools by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 71.9Β°F β 64.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 15.1% between Glendale and Tuscaloosa (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Tuscaloosa average 92Β°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: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1664 mi and the route typically takes 28h 53m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 15.1% lower than Glendale (87.722 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 30.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 43.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 103,520 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 Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1664 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 Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.