Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale costs $38–$4,119, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 12-mile route within Arizona take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Arizona moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 12-mile move:
Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale costs between $38 and $4,119, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $786–$2,759 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $380–$1,201 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $49–$120 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $85/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 99+ Arizona movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Movers typically charge between $38 and $4,119 for a Mesa to Scottsdale move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 12-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $457–$4,119
- Moving containers: $124–$1,613
- Rental trucks: $38–$144
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 12 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $457–$1,320 | $124–$847 | $38–$93 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $786–$2,759 | $380–$1,201 | $49–$120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,316–$4,119 | $800–$1,613 | $67–$144 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Arizona moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Mesa to Scottsdale move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Mesa to Scottsdale move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Mesa to Scottsdale
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Mesa to Scottsdale, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 12 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Mesa to Scottsdale. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Arizona, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 12 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Arizona moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Scottsdale to Mesa guide.
How does Scottsdale compare to Mesa?
Cost of living: Mesa vs. Scottsdale
Cost-of-living factors in Mesa vs. Scottsdale go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Scottsdale stacks up against Mesa.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mesa | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,786 | $3,300 |
| Average home cost | $354,997 | $709,486 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,779 | $107,372 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,416 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,566 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.3% | 8.05% |
Cost-of-living data for Mesa and Scottsdale comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 99+ Arizona cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 85% higher than in Mesa. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Scottsdale are 100% higher than Mesa. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Scottsdale is 36% higher than Mesa. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Cost of living for one person in Scottsdale is 138% higher than Mesa. Plan to add roughly 138% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Scottsdale is 18% lower than Mesa. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Scottsdale runs 23% lower than Mesa. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Scottsdale and Mesa. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Mesa, expect to budget around $7,140 to maintain the same lifestyle in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Scottsdale
A side-by-side comparison of life in Mesa vs. Scottsdale helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Mesa and Scottsdale so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Mesa | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 504,258 | 241,361 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 40ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 10" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 44.67 | 25.8 |
- Scottsdale is 52% smaller in size than Mesa. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
- The last presidential election saw both Mesa and Scottsdale siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Scottsdale (104°F) and Mesa (105°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Mesa (40°F) match Scottsdale (42°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Mesa and Scottsdale is nearly identical, at 10 inches and 11 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Mesa and Scottsdale is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Scottsdale (25.8) is lower than Mesa (44.67). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Scottsdale
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Scottsdale. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Scottsdale
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
- Penske Racing Museum
- Cosanti
- Wonderspaces Arizona
- Main Street Arts District
Parks in Scottsdale
- Chaparral Park
- Xeriscape Garden
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden
- George "Doc" Cavalliere Park
Sports teams in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB)
Universities in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Community College
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
- University of Phoenix
- Gateway Seminary
- Scottsdale Culinary Institute
Final verdict: best movers from Mesa to Scottsdale
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Mesa to Scottsdale, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Arizona service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $38–$4,119 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Arizona movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Mesa to Scottsdale
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Mesa to Scottsdale?
A full-service move from Mesa to Scottsdale ranges from $361 to $1,120 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $786–$2,759. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,316–$4,119 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Moving containers from Mesa to Scottsdale break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $112 to $830. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $380 and $1,201. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $800 to $1,613.
How much is a moving truck from Mesa to Scottsdale?
A rental moving truck from Mesa to Scottsdale costs $37–$103 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $49–$120, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $67 and $144.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Mesa-to-Scottsdale movers?
Ideally, book your move from Mesa to Scottsdale at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Mesa-to-Scottsdale movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Scottsdale?
For the cheapest move to Scottsdale, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
