Moving from Mesa to Tucson, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Tucson costs between $145 to $5,014 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 112-mile route within Arizona take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Mesa to Tucson
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Mesa to Tucson 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 Tucson, 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 112 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,312 - $4,075 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,084 - $1,911 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $156 - $259 | 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 Tucson?
It costs between $145 to $5,014 to move from Mesa to Tucson. The prices below break down your 112-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $702 - $5,014
- Moving containers: $838 - $2,395
- Rental trucks: $145 - $284
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $702 - $3,338 | $838 - $1,433 | $145 - $230 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,312 - $4,075 | $1,084 - $1,911 | $156 - $259 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,760 - $5,014 | $1,335 - $2,395 | $184 - $284 |
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 Tucson
At 112 miles, your Mesa to Tucson 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 Tucson. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 112 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Mesa to Tucson. 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 Tucson to Mesa guide.
Considerations when moving from Mesa to Tucson
Cost of living: Mesa vs. Tucson
The cost of living in Mesa vs. Tucson isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Tucson compares to what you’re used to in Mesa.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mesa | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,786 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $354,997 | $240,428 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,779 | $54,546 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,416 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,566 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 7.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.3% | 8.7% |
- Rent in Tucson is about 27% cheaper than in Mesa. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Tucson are 32% lower than in Mesa. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Tucson is 31% lower than in Mesa, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- If you’re relocating from Mesa to Tucson, you’ll notice that day-to-day expenses are about equal. As long as your income doesn’t change, your budget should stay on track after the move.
- If you’re relocating your family to Tucson, plan for living expenses to be about 9% higher than in Mesa. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Tucson is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Tucson is 21% higher than in Mesa. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Tucson and Mesa, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Mesa, you’ll need about $2,970 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Tucson.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Tucson
Before you move, check out how life in Tucson measures up to Mesa. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Mesa | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 504,258 | 542,629 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 101ºF |
| Winter low | 40ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 10" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 44.67 | 54.43 |
Tucson sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Tucson has a population roughly 8% higher than Mesa. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Mesa and Tucson supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both Tucson and Mesa have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Mesa and Tucson—with winter lows around 40°F and 38°F.
- Both Mesa and Tucson see similar yearly rainfall—Mesa averages 10 inches, while Tucson gets 12 inches.
- Both Mesa and Tucson receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tucson shows a higher crime rate than Mesa, with index scores of 54.43 compared to 44.67.
Things to do in Tucson
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Tucson has plenty to offer:
Museums in Tucson
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Pima Air and Space Museum
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
- The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
- Franklin Auto Museum
Parks in Tucson
- Agua Caliente Park
- Himmel Park
- Rillito River Park
- Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
- Sabino Canyon
Sports teams in Tucson
- University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
- Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
- Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
- FC Tucson (USL)
- Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)
Universities in Tucson
- University of Arizona
- Pima Community College
- Arizona State University's College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Tucson College
- Brookline College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Mesa to Tucson?
Shipping furniture from Mesa to Tucson with a moving company typically costs between $634 and $2,838. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,312 to $4,075. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,760 and $5,014 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Mesa to Tucson?
If you’re planning a move from Mesa to Tucson and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $563 and $1,371. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,084 to $1,911. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,335 to $2,395.
How much is a moving truck from Mesa to Tucson?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $143 and $217. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $156 and $259. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Mesa to Tucson, truck rentals usually range from $184 up to $284.
How far in advance should I book Mesa-to-Tucson movers?
To make your move from Mesa to Tucson as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
The cheapest time of year to move to Tucson is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
