Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Scottsdale costs between $37 to $3,878 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 12-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Mesa to Scottsdale
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Mesa to Scottsdale are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Mesa to driving and unloading in Scottsdale, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 12 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $778 - $2,550 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $388 - $1,087 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $126 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gilbert Moving & Storage | $85/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Mesa to Scottsdale?
It costs between $37 to $3,878 to move from Mesa to Scottsdale. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $439 - $3,878
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $37 - $147
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $439 - $1,390 | $129 - $797 | $37 - $93 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $778 - $2,550 | $388 - $1,087 | $49 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356 - $3,878 | $792 - $1,566 | $62 - $147 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $339 - $2,825+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $226 - $904 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $56 - $226 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Mesa to Scottsdale
At 12 miles, your Mesa to Scottsdale move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Mesa to Scottsdale. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 12 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Mesa to Scottsdale. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 85.1% of their 141 verified reviews are positive.
More Arizona moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Scottsdale to Mesa guide.
Considerations when moving from Mesa to Scottsdale
Cost of living: Mesa vs. Scottsdale
The cost of living in Mesa vs. Scottsdale goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see 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% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 85% higher than in Mesa. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Scottsdale are 100% higher than in Mesa. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Scottsdale, where the average salary is 36% higher than in Mesa, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 138% higher than in Mesa, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- The living costs for a family of four are 18% lower in Scottsdale than in Mesa. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 23% lower than in Mesa, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Scottsdale and Mesa, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable 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
As you plan your move, comparing life in Mesa vs. Scottsdale is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Mesa and Scottsdale to help you evaluate which city may be 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Scottsdale is about 52% less populated than Mesa. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Mesa and Scottsdale siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Scottsdale and Mesa are nearly identical, with averages around 104°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Mesa and Scottsdale experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 40°F and 42°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Mesa to Scottsdale. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 10 inches in Mesa and 11 inches in Scottsdale.
- Both Mesa and Scottsdale receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Mesa, with a crime index of 25.8 vs 44.67.
Things to do in Scottsdale
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Scottsdale has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Moving your furniture from Mesa to Scottsdale with a professional moving company usually ranges from $347 to $1,156. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $778 and $2,550. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,356 to $3,878 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Mesa to Scottsdale?
If you’re moving from Mesa to Scottsdale and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $121 to $798. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $388 and $1,087. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $792 to $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Mesa to Scottsdale?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $38 and $100. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $49 to $126. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Mesa to Scottsdale, rental prices generally fall between $62 and $147.
How far in advance should I book Mesa-to-Scottsdale movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Mesa to Scottsdale at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Mesa-to-Scottsdale movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Scottsdale?
If you want to save money on your move to Scottsdale, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
