Moving from Phoenix to Tempe, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Phoenix to Tempe costs $37–$4,038, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 10-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 Phoenix to Tempe?
Moving from Phoenix to Tempe 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 10-mile move:
Moving from Phoenix to Tempe costs between $37 and $4,038, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 10-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $794–$2,523 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $399–$1,178 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $47–$117 (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 Phoenix to Tempe?
The cost to move from Phoenix to Tempe ranges from $37 to $4,038, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 10-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $471–$4,038
- Moving containers: $123–$1,660
- Rental trucks: $37–$150
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 10 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $471–$1,390 | $123–$863 | $37–$97 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $794–$2,523 | $399–$1,178 | $47–$117 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303–$4,038 | $792–$1,660 | $66–$150 |
*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 Phoenix to Tempe move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Phoenix to Tempe move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together 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 Phoenix to Tempe
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Phoenix to Tempe, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 10 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 Phoenix to Tempe. 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 10 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 Tempe to Phoenix guide.
How does Tempe compare to Phoenix?
Cost of living: Phoenix vs. Tempe
The cost of living in Phoenix vs. Tempe is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Tempe measures up against 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Phoenix and Tempe 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 Tempe are 8% higher than in Phoenix. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 8% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Tempe are 11% higher than Phoenix. Existing equity from a Phoenix sale may not stretch as far in the Tempe market.
- Average income in Tempe matches Phoenix. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person is 129% higher in Tempe than Phoenix. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Tempe runs 30% higher than Phoenix. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- Unemployment in Tempe is 18% lower than Phoenix. The tighter labor market favors job seekers with leverage on salary and benefits.
- Sales taxes in Tempe are 6% lower than Phoenix. Households spending more on taxable categories see the most direct benefit.
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
A look at how life in Tempe measures up to Phoenix covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below 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 is roughly 89% smaller in size than Phoenix. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- In the last presidential election, Tempe voted Democratic, while Phoenix leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Tempe (104°F) match Phoenix (105°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Phoenix (43°F) and Tempe (42°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Phoenix (9 inches) and Tempe (9 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Phoenix and Tempe is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Tempe (42.36) runs lower than Phoenix (53.06). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Tempe
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Tempe's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Phoenix to Tempe
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Phoenix to Tempe, 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 $37–$4,038 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 Phoenix to Tempe
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Phoenix to Tempe?
A full-service move from Phoenix to Tempe typically costs $357–$1,238 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $794–$2,523. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $1,303 and $4,038 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Phoenix to Tempe?
Moving containers from Phoenix to Tempe have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $112 and $846. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $399–$1,178. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $792 to $1,660.
How much is a moving truck from Phoenix to Tempe?
A rental moving truck from Phoenix to Tempe costs $37–$102 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $47–$117. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $66–$150.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Phoenix-to-Tempe movers?
Lock in your movers for a Phoenix to Tempe move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and 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 falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
