Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to College Station, TX
It is 1131 mi between Scottsdale and College Station β roughly 19h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
1131 mi Β· 19h 34m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | College Station | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 90.951 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 84.39 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 75.088 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.0% cheaper overall in College Station than Scottsdale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, College Station +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | College Station |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 41.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, COLLEGE STN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | College Station |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 122,280 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $51,776 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 22.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.74 |
College Station households earn about 12.0% less than Scottsdale at the median β $107,372 β $51,776 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in College Station MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,920 | $37,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,880 | $27,430 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,280 | $63,400 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,460 | $76,630 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,930 | $31,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in College Station average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to College Station?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1131 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is College Station, TX from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1131 mi and the route typically takes 19h 34m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs College Station?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,776 in College Station vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 51.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is College Station more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in College Station is 12.0% lower than Scottsdale (90.951 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in College Station compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $349,041 in College Station vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 59.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in College Station compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,710 in the College Station MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 128,840 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· College Station, TX.