Moving from West Covina, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving from West Covina, CA to Tempe, AZ 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
| West Covina | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Tempe are 9.0% below West Covina — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tempe typical home at $468,281 is 9.0% under West Covina at $852,373 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: West Covina +0.7%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | West Covina | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 8.8" |
Tempe runs 6.7°F warmer on the annual average (65.1°F vs 71.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Covina | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,436 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $98,570 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.3 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 9.0% below West Covina ($98,570 vs $77,643, ACS 5-year 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 California 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 — 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 Tempe average 106°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.
- 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 does the job market in Tempe compare to West Covina?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $50,490 in the West Covina MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between West Covina and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 65.1°F in West Covina (6.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 14.5 in.
Is Tempe more expensive than West Covina?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 9.0% lower than West Covina (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tempe, AZ from West Covina, CA?
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.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to West Covina?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $852,373 in West Covina — a 45.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in West Covina vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $98,570 in West Covina — a 21.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from West Covina to Tempe?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Covina.
City profiles: West Covina, CA · Tempe, AZ.