Moving from Tempe, AZ to Hayward, CA
A move from Tempe, AZ to Hayward, CA covers 743 mi and around 13h 34m 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.
743 mi Β· 13h 34m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, 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 | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.9% pricier overall in Hayward than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Hayward typical home at $848,427 is 11.9% above Tempe at $468,281 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 16.0" |
Hayward is 12.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (71.8Β°F vs 59.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3.22 |
Median household income in Hayward is 11.9% above Tempe ($77,643 vs $113,775, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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 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
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β 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
How much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 81.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Hayward, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 743 mi and the route typically takes 13h 34m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Hayward more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 11.9% higher than Tempe (115.613 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 46.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 743 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· Hayward, CA.