Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Chandler, AZ
It is 688 mi between Salt Lake City and Chandler — roughly 12h 53m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
688 mi · 12h 53m by car · AZ → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 89, I 15, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salt Lake City | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 100.868 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Salt Lake City +1.6%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salt Lake City | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 203,888 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $74,925 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 33 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.63 |
Chandler households earn about 2.4% more than Salt Lake City at the median — $74,925 → $103,691 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler 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 Utah 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Salt Lake City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $573,181 in Salt Lake City — a 8.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chandler more expensive than Salt Lake City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 2.4% higher than Salt Lake City (103.316 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Salt Lake City vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $74,925 in Salt Lake City — a 38.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Salt Lake City, UT?
The driving distance is 688 mi and the route typically takes 12h 53m via US 89 and I 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Salt Lake City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Salt Lake City to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 688 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Salt Lake City.
City profiles: Salt Lake City, UT · Chandler, AZ.