Moving from Surprise, AZ to El Paso, TX
Relocating between Surprise, AZ and El Paso, TX is a 468 mi drive — 8h 27m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
468 mi · 8h 27m by car · TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 60, LOOP 375 |
| Major cities en route | Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | El Paso | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 89.912 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.248 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.0% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has El Paso at 89.912 vs Surprise at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $422,473 to $234,775 moving to El Paso.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Surprise | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 8.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Surprise (70.2°F) and El Paso (66.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
El Paso averages 2.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.8 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.0% — $93,371 → $58,734 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Paso MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,500 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,790 | $23,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,160 | $33,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,050 | $28,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 23,040 | $61,670 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in El Paso average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: El Paso sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Surprise and El Paso?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.2°F in El Paso vs 70.2°F in Surprise (4.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.8 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 9.6 in.
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 323,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is El Paso more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 13.0% lower than Surprise (89.912 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in El Paso compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $422,473 in Surprise — a 44.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $93,371 in Surprise — a 37.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to El Paso?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 468 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is El Paso, TX from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 468 mi and the route typically takes 8h 27m via I 10 and US 60. The trip crosses 3 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 Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ · El Paso, TX.