Moving from Kent, WA to Mesa, AZ
Relocating 1422 mi from Kent to Mesa is a 27h 1m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1422 mi Β· 27h 1m by car Β· AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Mesa at 103.316 vs Kent at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $656,314 to $435,134 moving to Mesa.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 10.8" |
Expect 18.5Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.59 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.0% lower in Mesa than Kent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa 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 Washington 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 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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesa average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Kent to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1422 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $656,314 in Kent β a 33.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $90,416 in Kent β a 12.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1422 mi and the route typically takes 27h 1m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Mesa more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 7.0% lower than Kent (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Mesa, AZ.