Moving from South Fulton, GA to Scottsdale, AZ

It is 1787 mi and 31h 58m from South Fulton to Scottsdale β€” a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.

1787 mi Β· 31h 58m by car Β· AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ MS β†’ AL β†’ GA

COL +3.3% Ξ” +6.0Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1787 mi
Drive time
31h 58m
States
9
Fuel (25 mpg)
72 gal
Route throughAZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ MS β†’ AL β†’ GA
Primary highwaysI 40, AZ 77, US 78
Major cities en routePeoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

South FultonScottsdaleU.S. avg
All items (RPP)100.058103.316100.0
Rents96.23993.332100.0
Goods100.41695.024100.0
Services111.022121.236100.0

Overall price level is comparable β€” 100.058 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

South Fulton β€” typical home
β€”
Scottsdale β€” typical home
$858,022
Scottsdale β€” typical rent
$2,131/mo

YoY change: South Fulton β€”, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsSouth FultonScottsdale
Annual avg temperature64Β°F70Β°F
January avg low36Β°F43Β°F
July avg high90Β°F99Β°F
Annual snowfall2.2"β€”
Annual precipitation50.4"11.6"

Expect 6.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023South FultonScottsdale
Population109,157242,169
Median household income$81,798$107,372
Median age35.749.2
Bachelor's degree or higher24.2%37.1%
Avg household size2.762.06

Expect median household income to rise 3.3% β€” $81,798 β†’ $107,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

South Fulton MSA β€” median wage
$48,370
Scottsdale MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
South Fulton MSA β€” employment
2,817,660
Scottsdale MSA β€” employment
2,289,130

Top occupations in Scottsdale MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Georgia and Arizona

Georgia income tax
5.39% top marginal
Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal

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 β€” 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

  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
  • 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

When is the best time to move from South Fulton to Scottsdale?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1787 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 Scottsdale compare to South Fulton?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Scottsdale, AZ from South Fulton, GA?

The driving distance is 1787 mi and the route typically takes 31h 58m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Scottsdale more expensive than South Fulton?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 3.3% higher than South Fulton (103.316 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in South Fulton vs Scottsdale?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $81,798 in South Fulton β€” a 31.3% higher 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 South Fulton.

City profiles: South Fulton, GA Β· Scottsdale, AZ.

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