Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Rialto, CA
Relocating between Phoenix, AZ and Rialto, CA is a 331 mi drive β 5h 59m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
331 mi Β· 5h 59m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Rialto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Phoenix and Rialto 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 $410,169 in Phoenix to $588,566 in Rialto, a 3.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Rialto -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 9.9" |
Expect 5.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Rialto sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, RIVERSIDE CITRUS EXP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 103,866 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $85,521 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 9.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 3.87 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.0% higher in Rialto than Phoenix.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rialto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 Rialto average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rialto sees only 9.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Rialto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 331 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Rialto more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rialto is 3.0% higher than Phoenix (106.442 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Rialto compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Rialto MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rialto, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 331 mi and the route typically takes 5h 59m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Rialto compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $588,566 in Rialto vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 43.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Rialto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,521 in Rialto vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 11.0% higher 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Rialto, CA.