Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Toledo, OH
Cross-country relocations like Phoenix, AZ β Toledo, OH cover 1959 mi and about 34h 43m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1959 mi Β· 34h 43m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Toledo is 11.5% cheaper than Phoenix overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Toledo is 11.5% below Phoenix β $410,169 vs $129,627 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 32.4" |
Toledo runs 21.1Β°F colder on the annual average (72.5Β°F vs 51.4Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.27 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.5% between Phoenix and Toledo (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1959 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 Phoenix vs Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 38.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Toledo compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 290,070 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Toledo, OH from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1959 mi and the route typically takes 34h 43m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 68.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Toledo more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 11.5% lower than Phoenix (91.455 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Toledo, OH.