Moving from Pearland, TX to Surprise, AZ
Relocating 1225 mi from Pearland to Surprise is a 20h 52m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1225 mi Β· 20h 52m 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, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pearland | Surprise | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 4.8% above Pearland β $382,157 β $422,473 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Pearland -0.8%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pearland | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.3" | 9.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON CLOVER FLD, TX US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pearland | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,983 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $112,470 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.75 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.8% lower in Surprise than Pearland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise 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 Surprise average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 Surprise more expensive than Pearland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 4.8% higher than Pearland (103.316 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Pearland, TX?
The driving distance is 1225 mi and the route typically takes 20h 52m 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 Pearland to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1225 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 Surprise compare to Pearland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $46,960 in the Pearland 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 much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Pearland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $382,157 in Pearland β a 10.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Pearland vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $112,470 in Pearland β a 17.0% 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 Pearland.
City profiles: Pearland, TX Β· Surprise, AZ.