Moving from Tempe, AZ to Mesa, AZ
Relocating from Tempe, AZ to Mesa, AZ? The drive is 14 mi β about 19 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
14 mi Β· 19 min by car Β· AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe and Mesa sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Mesa run about 0.0% cheaper β ZHVI $468,281 β $435,134 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 10.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.8Β°F vs 72.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.59 |
Household income lines up β $77,643 vs $78,779 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesa average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 1.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 7.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 14 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 14 mi and the route typically takes 19 min via US 60. The trip crosses 1 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 Β· Mesa, AZ.