Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Phoenix, AZ
A 2213 mi cross-country move between Palm Bay and Phoenix is 38h 55m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2213 mi Β· 38h 55m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Palm Bay and Phoenix sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $302,461 in Palm Bay to $410,169 in Phoenix, a 3.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 8.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 72.6Β°F vs 72.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.7 |
Households in Phoenix earn about 3.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 Florida 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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 far is Phoenix, AZ from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 2213 mi and the route typically takes 38h 55m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2213 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 35.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 3.3% higher than Palm Bay (103.316 vs 100.005, 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Phoenix, AZ.