Moving from Phoenix, AZ to El Paso, TX
It is a 441 mi drive, roughly 7h 51m, between Phoenix, AZ and El Paso, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
441 mi Β· 7h 51m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 60, LOOP 375 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Scottsdale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | El Paso | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 89.912 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.248 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has El Paso at 89.912 vs Phoenix at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $410,169 to $234,775 moving to El Paso.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 8.8" |
Annual temperature drops 6.3Β°F moving to El Paso per NOAA normals.
El Paso averages 2.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.8 |
El Paso households earn about 13.0% less than Phoenix at the median β $77,041 β $58,734 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Paso MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,500 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,790 | $23,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,160 | $33,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,050 | $28,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 23,040 | $61,670 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 El Paso average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: El Paso sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 323,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in El Paso compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 42.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 23.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is El Paso, TX from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 441 mi and the route typically takes 7h 51m via I 10 and US 60. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is El Paso more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 13.0% lower than Phoenix (89.912 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to El Paso?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 441 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· El Paso, TX.