Moving from Henderson, NV to Surprise, AZ
The 253 mi from Henderson to Surprise translate to about 5h 15m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
253 mi · 5h 15m by car · NV → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, US 60, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Henderson | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.215 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.646 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 115.538 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Surprise and Henderson are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.215 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 3.1% lower in Surprise than Henderson as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Henderson -2.2%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Henderson | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 4.2" | 9.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 70.1°F vs 70.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 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 1991–2020 (stations: LAS VEGAS MCCARRAN AP, NV US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Henderson | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 324,523 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $88,654 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.75 |
Income steps up 3.1%: $88,654 in Henderson vs $93,371 in Surprise.
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.
Moving between Nevada 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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains 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 Surprise average 105°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.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Surprise, AZ from Henderson, NV?
The driving distance is 253 mi and the route typically takes 5h 15m via US 93 and US 60. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Henderson vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $88,654 in Henderson — a 5.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Henderson to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 253 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Henderson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $43,510 in the Henderson MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,083,320 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Henderson and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 70.1°F in Henderson (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.2 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 4.2 in.
Is Surprise more expensive than Henderson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 3.1% higher than Henderson (103.316 vs 100.215, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Henderson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $486,156 in Henderson — a 13.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Henderson.
City profiles: Henderson, NV · Surprise, AZ.