Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Rialto, CA
The 351 mi from Scottsdale to Rialto translate to about 6h 25m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
351 mi Β· 6h 25m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 101 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Rialto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Rialto and Scottsdale is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Rialto is 3.0% below Scottsdale β $858,022 vs $588,566 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Rialto -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 9.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) and Rialto (66.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Rialto gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, RIVERSIDE CITRUS EXP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 103,866 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $85,521 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 9.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 3.87 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.0% between Scottsdale and Rialto (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rialto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 Rialto average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rialto sees only 9.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Rialto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Rialto compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Rialto MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rialto compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $588,566 in Rialto vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 31.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Rialto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,521 in Rialto vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 20.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rialto, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 351 mi and the route typically takes 6h 25m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Rialto more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rialto is 3.0% higher than Scottsdale (106.442 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Rialto, CA.