Moving from Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ
A move from Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ covers 1412 mi and around 26h 48m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1412 mi · 26h 48m by car · WA → OR → ID → NV → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | WA → OR → ID → NV → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, Renton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe is 7.0% cheaper than Seattle overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tempe is 7.0% below Seattle — $868,680 vs $468,281 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Seattle | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 77°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 18.6°F warmer on the annual average (53.2°F vs 71.8°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 7.0% below Seattle ($121,984 vs $77,643, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.6°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $121,984 in Seattle — a 36.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1412 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 1412 mi and the route typically takes 26h 48m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Seattle and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 53.2°F in Seattle (18.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.8 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 37.8 in.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tempe more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 7.0% lower than Seattle (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $868,680 in Seattle — a 46.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA · Tempe, AZ.