Moving from Tempe, AZ to Clovis, CA
A move from Tempe, AZ to Clovis, CA covers 605 mi and around 11h 8m of driving through 2 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.
605 mi · 11h 8m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Tempe (103.316) and Clovis (102.158) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Clovis at $521,708 is 1.1% above Tempe at $468,281.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 11.0" |
Clovis is 6.8°F cooler on the annual average (71.8°F vs 65.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Clovis — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.99 |
Median household income in Clovis is 1.1% above Tempe ($77,643 vs $100,360, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clovis average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Clovis more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 1.1% lower than Tempe (102.158 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Clovis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 605 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Clovis, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 605 mi and the route typically takes 11h 8m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Clovis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.0°F in Clovis vs 71.8°F in Tempe (6.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 29.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 11.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Clovis, CA.