Moving from Midland, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
The drive from Midland, TX to Scottsdale, AZ runs 755 mi β about 12h 56m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
755 mi Β· 12h 56m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.9% pricier overall in Scottsdale than Midland on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Scottsdale typical home at $858,022 is 7.9% above Midland at $328,325 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Midland | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 11.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.0Β°F vs 69.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.06 |
Income steps up 7.9%: $91,169 in Midland vs $107,372 in Scottsdale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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 Texas 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.
- 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 Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 7.9% higher than Midland (103.316 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 755 mi and the route typically takes 12h 56m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 755 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $91,169 in Midland β a 17.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $328,325 in Midland β a 161.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.