Moving from Rialto, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Relocating between Rialto, CA and Phoenix, AZ 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
| Rialto | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Rialto and Phoenix 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 drops from $588,566 in Rialto to $410,169 in Phoenix, a 2.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rialto -0.8%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rialto | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.9" | 8.9" |
Expect 5.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIVERSIDE CITRUS EXP, CA US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rialto | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,866 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $85,521 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.87 | 2.7 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.9% lower in Phoenix than Rialto.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix 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 California 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.
- 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 Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 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
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Rialto, CA?
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 does the job market in Phoenix compare to Rialto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $47,450 in the Rialto MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rialto to Phoenix?
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 Phoenix more expensive than Rialto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 2.9% lower than Rialto (103.316 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rialto vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $85,521 in Rialto β a 9.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Rialto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $588,566 in Rialto β a 30.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rialto.
City profiles: Rialto, CA Β· Phoenix, AZ.