Moving from Phoenix to Tucson, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Phoenix to Tucson costs between $147 to $4,670 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 111-mile route within Arizona take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Phoenix to Tucson
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Phoenix to Tucson 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 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 111 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,351 - $4,075 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,105 - $1,911 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $146 - $262 | 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 Tucson?
It costs between $147 to $4,670 to move from Phoenix to Tucson. The prices below break down your 111-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $761 - $4,670
- Moving containers: $846 - $2,441
- Rental trucks: $147 - $292
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $761 - $3,338 | $846 - $1,377 | $147 - $217 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,351 - $4,075 | $1,105 - $1,911 | $146 - $262 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,925 - $4,670 | $1,322 - $2,441 | $184 - $292 |
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 Tucson
At 111 miles, your Phoenix 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 Phoenix to Tucson. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 111 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Phoenix 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 Phoenix guide.
Considerations when moving from Phoenix to Tucson
Cost of living: Phoenix vs. Tucson
When weighing the cost of living in Phoenix versus Tucson, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Tucson really compares to Phoenix.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent in Tucson is around 24% less expensive than in Phoenix, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Tucson are 37% lower than in Phoenix. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Tucson is 29% lower than in Phoenix, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Tucson and Phoenix. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
- The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 16% higher than in Phoenix. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Tucson less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Tucson is 12% higher than in Phoenix. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Tucson and Phoenix, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Phoenix, you’d need about $3,030 in Tucson.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Tucson
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Phoenix and Tucson. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| 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 |
Tucson sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tucson is approximately 66% lower than the population of Phoenix. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Phoenix and Tucson leaned Republican.
- In Tucson and Phoenix, summer highs run about the same — 101°F vs. 105°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Phoenix and Tucson face similar winter lows—Phoenix drops to 43°F, while Tucson falls to 38°F.
- Both Phoenix and Tucson receive similar amounts of rain annually—Phoenix gets about 9 inches, while Tucson sees around 12 inches each year.
- Both Phoenix and Tucson receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tucson and Phoenix have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 54.43 and 53.06, respectively.
Things to do in Tucson
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Tucson has it all.
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 Phoenix to Tucson?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Phoenix to Tucson, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $654 and $2,811. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,351 up to $4,075. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,925 to $4,670 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Phoenix to Tucson?
Moving containers from Phoenix to Tucson will cost you $598 to $1,277 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,105 to $1,911. A larger home will cost $1,322 to $2,441.
How much is a moving truck from Phoenix to Tucson?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $140 to $228. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $146 and $262. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Phoenix to Tucson, costs usually fall between $184 and $292.
How far in advance should I book Phoenix-to-Tucson movers?
To make your move from Phoenix to Tucson as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
For the best deals on your move to Tucson, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
