Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to St. Louis, MO
Relocating 1445 mi from Scottsdale to St. Louis is a 25h 51m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1445 mi Β· 25h 51m by car Β· MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has St. Louis at 95.088 vs Scottsdale at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 43.9" |
Expect 11.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.03 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.0% β $107,372 β $55,279 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1445 mi and the route typically takes 25h 51m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 8.0% lower than Scottsdale (95.088 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1445 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 48.5% lower 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· St. Louis, MO.