Moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale costs between $38 to $4,198 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 Phoenix to Scottsdale
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Phoenix 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 | $770 - $2,706 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $372 - $1,121 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $50 - $120 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Camelback Moving | $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 Phoenix to Scottsdale?
It costs between $38 to $4,198 to move from Phoenix to Scottsdale. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $476 - $4,198
- Moving containers: $126 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $38 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $476 - $1,335 | $126 - $822 | $38 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,706 | $372 - $1,121 | $50 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,369 - $4,198 | $840 - $1,566 | $64 - $158 |
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 Phoenix to Scottsdale
At 12 miles, your Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix guide.
Considerations when moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale
Cost of living: Phoenix vs. Scottsdale
Comparing life in Phoenix and Scottsdale goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Scottsdale stacks up against Phoenix.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Phoenix | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $3,300 |
| Average home cost | $380,294 | $709,486 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,041 | $107,372 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.6% | 8.05% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 95% higher than in Phoenix. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Scottsdale are 87% higher than in Phoenix. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Scottsdale is 39% higher than in Phoenix, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 143% higher in Scottsdale compared to Phoenix. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating to Scottsdale, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 13% lower than in Phoenix. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 29% lower than in Phoenix, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Scottsdale, sales taxes are 6% lower than in Phoenix, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Phoenix, you’d need roughly $7,290 to maintain the same lifestyle in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Scottsdale
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Scottsdale compared to Phoenix. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Phoenix | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 241,361 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.06 | 25.8 |
Scottsdale sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Scottsdale has about 85% fewer people than Phoenix. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Phoenix and Scottsdale both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Phoenix and Scottsdale won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 104°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Phoenix and Scottsdale experience similar lows—expect 43°F in Phoenix and 42°F in Scottsdale.
- Both Phoenix and Scottsdale experience similar annual rainfall, with Phoenix receiving 9 inches and Scottsdale getting 11 inches.
- Both Phoenix and Scottsdale receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- You’ll feel safer in Scottsdale, thanks to its lower crime index (25.8) compared to Phoenix (53.06).
Things to do in Scottsdale
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Scottsdale.
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 Phoenix to Scottsdale?
Shipping furniture from Phoenix to Scottsdale with a mover will cost between $347 and $1,144. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $770–$2,706, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Phoenix to Scottsdale will cost from $1,369–$4,198.
How much are moving container companies from Phoenix to Scottsdale?
If you're moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $122 to $774. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $372 and $1,121. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $840 up to $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Phoenix to Scottsdale?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $39 and $99. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $50 to $120. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Phoenix to Scottsdale, truck rental prices typically range from $64 up to $158.
How far in advance should I book Phoenix-to-Scottsdale movers?
For a smooth move from Phoenix to Scottsdale, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Scottsdale?
To score the best moving deals to Scottsdale, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
