Moving from Phoenix to Tempe, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Phoenix to Tempe costs between $40 to $3,918 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 10-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Phoenix to Tempe
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Phoenix to Tempe 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 Tempe, 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 10 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $786 - $2,576 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $365 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $126 | 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 Tempe?
It costs between $40 to $3,918 to move from Phoenix to Tempe. The prices below break down your 10-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $439 - $3,918
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,487
- Rental trucks: $40 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $439 - $1,349 | $117 - $822 | $40 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $786 - $2,576 | $365 - $1,177 | $48 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356 - $3,918 | $832 - $1,487 | $64 - $149 |
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 Tempe
At 10 miles, your Phoenix to Tempe 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 Tempe. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 10 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Phoenix to Tempe. 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 Tempe to Phoenix guide.
Considerations when moving from Phoenix to Tempe
Cost of living: Phoenix vs. Tempe
The cost of living in Phoenix vs. Tempe 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 Tempe compares to what you’re used to in Phoenix.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Phoenix | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,834 |
| Average home cost | $380,294 | $421,086 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,041 | $77,643 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.6% | 8.1% |
- Rent prices in Tempe are 8% higher than in Phoenix, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Tempe are 11% higher than in Phoenix, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income is the same in Tempe and Phoenix, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- Living costs for one person are 129% higher in Tempe compared to Phoenix. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Tempe, plan for living expenses to be about 30% higher than in Phoenix. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Tempe is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is 18% lower than in Phoenix. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 6% lower in Tempe than Phoenix, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Phoenix, you’ll need about $6,870 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Tempe.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Tempe
Before you move, check out how life in Tempe measures up to Phoenix. 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.
| Phoenix | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 180,587 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.06 | 42.36 |
Tempe sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Tempe has roughly 89% fewer people than Phoenix. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Tempe voted Democratic, while Phoenix leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both Tempe and Phoenix 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 Phoenix and Tempe—with winter lows around 43°F and 42°F.
- Both Phoenix and Tempe see similar yearly rainfall—Phoenix averages 9 inches, while Tempe gets 9 inches.
- Both Phoenix and Tempe receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tempe posts a lower crime rate than Phoenix, with a crime index of 42.36 compared to Phoenix’s 53.06.
Things to do in Tempe
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Tempe has plenty to offer:
Museums in Tempe
- AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park
- Tempe History Museum
- Arizona State University Art Museum
- ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery
- Petersen House Museum
Parks in Tempe
- Tempe Town Lake
- Kiwanis Park
- Papago Park
Sports teams in Tempe
- Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA)
Universities in Tempe
- Arizona State University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Phoenix to Tempe?
Shipping furniture from Phoenix to Tempe with a moving company typically costs between $333 and $1,109. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $786 to $2,576. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,356 and $3,918 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Phoenix to Tempe?
If you’re planning a move from Phoenix to Tempe and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $121 and $806. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $365 to $1,177. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $832 to $1,487.
How much is a moving truck from Phoenix to Tempe?
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 $39 and $98. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $48 and $126. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Phoenix to Tempe, truck rentals usually range from $64 up to $149.
How far in advance should I book Phoenix-to-Tempe movers?
To make your move from Phoenix to Tempe 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 Tempe?
The cheapest time of year to move to Tempe 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.
