Moving from Surprise, AZ to Round Rock, TX
A move from Surprise, AZ to Round Rock, TX covers 1062 mi and around 18h 22m of driving through 3 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.
1062 mi · 18h 22m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Round Rock are 5.1% below Surprise — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.66 |
Household income lines up — $93,371 vs $97,187 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $422,473 in Surprise — a 3.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $93,371 in Surprise — a 4.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 1062 mi and the route typically takes 18h 22m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 5.1% lower than Surprise (98.066 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1062 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ · Round Rock, TX.