Moving from Pasadena, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
The 395 mi from Pasadena to Scottsdale translate to about 7h 15m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
395 mi Β· 7h 15m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Scottsdale is 9.0% cheaper than Pasadena overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Scottsdale is 9.0% below Pasadena β $1,209,228 vs $858,022 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -1.0%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 20.1" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Pasadena (66.0Β°F) and Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PASADENA, CA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,462 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $103,778 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.06 |
Median household incomes in Pasadena ($103,778) and Scottsdale ($107,372) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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 California 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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 Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 9.0% lower than Pasadena (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 395 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 Pasadena vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $103,778 in Pasadena β a 3.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $1,209,228 in Pasadena β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Pasadena, CA?
The driving distance is 395 mi and the route typically takes 7h 15m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, CA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.