Moving from Tempe, AZ to Warren, MI
A 1985 mi cross-country move between Tempe and Warren is 36h 3m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1985 mi Β· 36h 3m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Warren | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.316 vs 100.298 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $468,281 to $196,785 moving to Warren.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Warren +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 29.9" |
Expect 21.3Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, DETROIT CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 138,128 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $63,741 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 13.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.55 |
Households in Warren earn about 2.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Warren MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 (21.3Β°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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Warren compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $196,785 in Warren vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 58.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Warren compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Warren MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Warren, MI from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1985 mi and the route typically takes 36h 3m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Warren more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Warren is 2.9% lower than Tempe (100.298 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 Warren?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1985 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Warren?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,741 in Warren vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 17.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ Β· Warren, MI.