Moving from Kent, WA to Tempe, AZ
A move from Kent, WA to Tempe, AZ covers 1409 mi and around 26h 46m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1409 mi Β· 26h 46m 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 | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Tempe | 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 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 103.316, putting Tempe roughly 7.0% below Kent on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tempe: 7.0% below Kent on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 8.8" |
Major climate step-up: 18.0Β°F warmer annual average in Tempe vs Kent.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 7.0% below Kent ($90,416 β $77,643, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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 Tempe 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: Tempe sees only 8.8 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 (18.0Β°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
How far is Tempe, AZ from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1409 mi and the route typically takes 26h 46m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $90,416 in Kent β a 14.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $656,314 in Kent β a 28.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1409 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 7.0% lower than Kent (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Tempe, AZ.