Moving from Manchester, NH to Tempe, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Manchester, NH → Tempe, AZ cover 2659 mi and about 48h 52m of driving through 13 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.
2659 mi · 48h 52m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe and Manchester are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.657 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 2.2% higher in Tempe than Manchester as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 8.8" |
NOAA normals show Tempe running 24.4°F above Manchester on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.42 |
Household income lines up — $77,415 vs $77,643 on ACS 5-year 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 New Hampshire 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-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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
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 106°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 (24.4°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 Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 2659 mi and the route typically takes 48h 52m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 47.4°F in Manchester (24.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 42.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2659 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 7.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 0.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 2.2% lower than Manchester (103.316 vs 105.657, 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 Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Tempe, AZ.