Moving from Tempe, AZ to El Paso, TX
Relocating between Tempe, AZ and El Paso, TX is a 425 mi drive — 7h 31m 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.
425 mi · 7h 31m by car · TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, LOOP 375, US 85 |
| Major cities en route | Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.0% cheaper overall in El Paso than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.0% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 8.8" |
Expect 5.6°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Light snow year: El Paso gets around 2.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.8 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.0% — $77,643 → $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
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 425 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is El Paso more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 13.0% lower than Tempe (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 Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 49.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and El Paso?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.2°F in El Paso vs 71.8°F in Tempe (5.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.8 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is El Paso, TX from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 425 mi and the route typically takes 7h 31m via I 10 and LOOP 375. 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 Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · El Paso, TX.