Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Riverside, CA
The 348 mi from Scottsdale to Riverside translate to about 6h 22m 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.
348 mi Β· 6h 22m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, AZ 101 LOOP, CA 60 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Irvine, Corona, Pomona, Orange |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Riverside | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Scottsdale (103.316) and Riverside (106.442) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Riverside: 3.0% below Scottsdale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Riverside -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 10.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Riverside β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, RIVERSIDE FIRE STN 3, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 316,241 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $88,575 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 3.42 |
Income steps down 3.0%: $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $88,575 in Riverside.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Riverside 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Riverside average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Riverside sees only 10.0 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
How does the job market in Riverside compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Riverside 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.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Riverside?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 348 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 Riverside compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $646,784 in Riverside vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 24.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Riverside more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Riverside is 3.0% higher than Scottsdale (106.442 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Riverside?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,575 in Riverside vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 17.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Riverside, CA from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 348 mi and the route typically takes 6h 22m via I 10 and AZ 101 LOOP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Riverside, CA.