Moving from Warren, MI to Tempe, AZ
A 1985 mi cross-country move between Warren and Tempe 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
| Warren | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Warren and Tempe 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
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $196,785 in Warren to $468,281 in Tempe, a 3.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Warren +2.3%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Warren | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.9" | 8.8" |
Annual average temperature jumps 21.3Β°F β 50.5Β°F in Warren vs 71.8Β°F in Tempe, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DETROIT CITY AP, MI US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Warren | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,128 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $63,741 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.5% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.42 |
Tempe households earn about 3.0% more than Warren at the median β $63,741 β $77,643 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe 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.
Moving between Michigan and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe 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: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Warren?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $196,785 in Warren β a 138.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Warren to Tempe?
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 far is Tempe, AZ from Warren, MI?
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.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Warren?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $48,950 in the Warren MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Warren vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $63,741 in Warren β a 21.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Warren?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 3.0% higher than Warren (103.316 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Warren.
City profiles: Warren, MI Β· Tempe, AZ.