Moving from Midland, TX to Tempe, AZ
It is 730 mi between Midland and Tempe — roughly 12h 24m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
730 mi · 12h 24m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Tempe | 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 |
Tempe runs about 7.9% more expensive overall than Midland — RPP 95.783 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $328,325 in Midland to $468,281 in Tempe, a 7.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 8.8" |
Annual temperature rises 6.8°F moving to Tempe per NOAA normals.
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: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.42 |
Households in Tempe earn about 7.9% less at the median — 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 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 — 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.
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.
- 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 much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $328,325 in Midland — a 42.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Midland and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 65.0°F in Midland (6.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 13.6 in.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 730 mi and the route typically takes 12h 24m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe 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 Tempe compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
When is the best time to move from Midland 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 730 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $91,169 in Midland — a 14.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · Tempe, AZ.