Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Richmond, CA
It is 779 mi between Scottsdale and Richmond β roughly 14h 20m 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.
779 mi Β· 14h 20m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $858,022 to $606,427 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 24.4" |
Annual temperature drops 10.8Β°F moving to Richmond per NOAA normals.
Richmond 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, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.85 |
Households in Richmond earn about 11.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 16.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 779 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richmond, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 779 mi and the route typically takes 14h 20m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 29.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 11.9% higher than Scottsdale (115.613 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· Richmond, CA.