Moving from Savannah, GA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving from Savannah, GA to Phoenix, AZ is a 2090 mi cross-country relocation β about 36h 34m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2090 mi Β· 36h 34m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 78, I 16 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Phoenix is 8.5% higher than Savannah, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Phoenix is 8.5% above Savannah β $326,509 vs $410,169 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Savannah | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 8.9" |
Phoenix runs 5.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (67.5Β°F vs 72.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Phoenix is 8.5% above Savannah ($56,782 vs $77,041, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Georgia 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 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 Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 2090 mi and the route typically takes 36h 34m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2090 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $326,509 in Savannah β a 25.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 8.5% higher than Savannah (103.316 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $56,782 in Savannah β a 35.7% 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA Β· Phoenix, AZ.