Moving from West Valley City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 661 mi from West Valley City to Scottsdale is a 12h 32m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
661 mi Β· 12h 32m by car Β· AZ β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 89, I 15, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Valley City | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
West Valley City and Scottsdale 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 $471,862 in West Valley City to $858,022 in Scottsdale, a 2.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: West Valley City +1.3%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Valley City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.5" | 11.6" |
Expect 14.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP, UT US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Valley City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,955 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $88,604 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 30.3 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.55 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.4% β $88,604 β $107,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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 Utah 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.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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 (14.9Β°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
When is the best time to move from West Valley City to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 661 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to West Valley City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $49,440 in the West Valley City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than West Valley City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.4% higher than West Valley City (103.316 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to West Valley City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $471,862 in West Valley City β a 81.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from West Valley City, UT?
The driving distance is 661 mi and the route typically takes 12h 32m via US 89 and I 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in West Valley City vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $88,604 in West Valley City β a 21.2% higher 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 West Valley City.
City profiles: West Valley City, UT Β· Scottsdale, AZ.