Moving from Tempe, AZ to West Covina, CA
Moving from Tempe, AZ to West Covina, CA covers 365 mi and about 6h 34m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
365 mi · 6h 34m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 10 EXPR |
| 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 | West Covina | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 103.316 in Tempe to 113.566 in West Covina, a 9.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in West Covina: 9.9% above Tempe on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, West Covina +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 14.5" |
West Covina is 6.7°F cooler on the annual average (71.8°F vs 65.1°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in West Covina — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 107,436 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $98,570 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3.3 |
Median household income in West Covina is 9.9% above Tempe ($77,643 vs $98,570, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Covina MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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 — 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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Covina average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: West Covina sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — 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 far is West Covina, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 365 mi and the route typically takes 6h 34m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is West Covina more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Covina is 9.9% higher than Tempe (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs West Covina?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,570 in West Covina vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 27.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in West Covina compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the West Covina MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tempe to West Covina?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 365 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in West Covina compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $852,373 in West Covina vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 82.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and West Covina?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.1°F in West Covina vs 71.8°F in Tempe (6.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 8.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · West Covina, CA.