Moving from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
It is 1870 mi and 33h 40m from Tempe to Columbus β a cross-country move across 8 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.
1870 mi Β· 33h 40m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, St Louis, Springfield, Tulsa, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.6% cheaper overall in Columbus than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperature gap of 19.0Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.34 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.6% lower in Columbus than Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 20β30% 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 15.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 47.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbus, OH from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1870 mi and the route typically takes 33h 40m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Columbus more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 7.6% lower than Tempe (95.469 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 Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1870 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ Β· Columbus, OH.