Phoenix to Tucson Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Phoenix to Tucson, AZ is $117 - $4,069 for the ~111-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Camelback Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 1,297 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $85/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Phoenix
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Phoenix to Tucson?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Phoenix to Tucson are regulated by Arizona law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Arizona intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Arizona companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Camelback Moving (4.7/5) as the top local pick, followed by NorthStar Moving Company (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Phoenix to Tucson moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 97+ Arizona movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix to Tucson?
Expect to spend between $117 and $4,069* on a Phoenix to Tucson move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $625 - $4,069
- Moving containers: $686 - $1,965
- Rental trucks: $117 - $242
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $625 - $2,852 | $686 - $1,163 | $117 - $199 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,166 - $3,277 | $871 - $1,732 | $129 - $226 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,518 - $4,069 | $1,152 - $1,965 | $149 - $242 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 97+ Arizona moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Phoenix, AZ movers.
How Phoenix to Tucson moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $85 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,020.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 36% of Phoenix movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 30% of Phoenix movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Mentors Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Tucson
Moving from Phoenix to Tucson is a job for local and regional Arizona movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Camelback Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 1,297 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Phoenix to Tucson
Local movers operating within Arizona know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Camelback Moving (4.7/5 stars): 93.4% positive customer ratings.
- NorthStar Moving Company (4.56/5 stars): 90.1% positive customer ratings.
- Arizona Discount Movers (4.56/5 stars): 79.4% positive customer ratings.
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars): 88.9% positive customer ratings.
- Budget Movers (4.56/5 stars): 85.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 66 movers in Phoenix, drawing on 18,077 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Phoenix to Tucson
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Arizona moving resources
How does Tucson compare to Phoenix?
Cost of living: Phoenix vs. Tucson
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Phoenix | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $380,294 | $240,428 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,041 | $54,546 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.6% | 8.7% |
Cost-of-living data for Phoenix and Tucson comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 97+ Arizona moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Tucson are 24% lower than in Phoenix. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Tucson are 37% lower than Phoenix. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Tucson is 29% lower than Phoenix. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Tucson matches Phoenix. A Phoenix budget translates directly to Tucson without revision.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tucson is 16% higher than Phoenix. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Tucson runs 12% higher than Phoenix. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Tucson and Phoenix match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,030 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Tucson
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Tucson might look different from Phoenix in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Phoenix | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 542,629 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 105ºF | 101ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.06 | 54.43 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Arizona can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 42% of movers in Arizona, vs 33% nationally).
- Tucson is 66% smaller in size than Phoenix. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Phoenix and Tucson voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Tucson (101°F) match Phoenix (105°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Phoenix (43°F) and Tucson (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Phoenix (9 inches) and Tucson (12 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Phoenix and Tucson is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime indexes in Tucson (54.43) and Phoenix (53.06) are similar. Safety considerations apply at the neighborhood level, not the city level.
Things to do in Tucson
Tucson's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Final verdict: Phoenix to Tucson movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Arizona service. For smaller moves, Camelback Moving (4.7/5) is the top local choice, with 93.4% positive reviews across 1,297 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $117 - $4,069, based on our analysis of 97+ Arizona movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Phoenix to Tucson
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
The cheapest time to move to Tucson is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How much are moving container companies from Phoenix to Tucson?
Moving containers from Phoenix to Tucson cost $491 - $1,124 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $871 - $1,732, and a larger home costs $1,152 - $1,965.
How many movers in Phoenix offer labor-only help?
62% of movers in Phoenix offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Is moving from Phoenix to Tucson considered a long-distance move?
A move from Phoenix to Tucson is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Arizona law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Arizona intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How much is a moving truck from Phoenix to Tucson?
A rental truck from Phoenix to Tucson costs $120 - $195 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $129 - $226 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $149 - $242 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
