Moving from Pasadena, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
The drive from Pasadena, TX to Scottsdale, AZ runs 1210 mi β about 20h 35m 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.
1210 mi Β· 20h 35m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Scottsdale and Pasadena is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Scottsdale is 4.8% above Pasadena β $217,449 vs $858,022 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Pasadena (71.1Β°F) and Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.06 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.8% between Pasadena and Scottsdale (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 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
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 1210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 1210 mi and the route typically takes 20h 35m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 4.8% higher than Pasadena (103.316 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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 $64,270 in Pasadena β a 67.1% 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 $217,449 in Pasadena β a 294.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Scottsdale, AZ.