Phoenix to Tucson Movers & Costs (2026)

The cost to move from Phoenix to Tucson, AZ (~111 miles) typically ranges from $120 to $3,838.

Local movers such as Camelback Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 2,291 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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November is a low-cost month to move in Phoenix

Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.

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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 (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by Mentors Moving & Storage (4.66/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service Camelback Moving $1,089 - $3,252 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $848 - $1,555 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $117 - $209 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only Bellhop Moving $85/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

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 242+ Arizona movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Phoenix to Tucson?

The cost to move from Phoenix to Tucson ranges from $120 to $3,838*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.

Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:

  • Full-service movers: $577 - $3,838
  • Moving containers: $702 - $1,872
  • Rental trucks: $120 - $226

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 your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
  • Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving 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 $577 - $2,743 $702 - $1,166 $120 - $178
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,089 - $3,252 $848 - $1,555 $117 - $209
4+ bedrooms $1,477 - $3,838 $1,131 - $1,872 $150 - $226

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 242+ Arizona moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
12% of Phoenix movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% 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
9% of Phoenix movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick:
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 4.62 out of 5 stars across 2,291 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 21
  • 94% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 9
  • 90% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.56 / 5
  • Years in Business: 11
  • 81% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Our top local picks:

  1. Camelback Moving (4.62/5 stars): 93.8% positive customer ratings.
  2. Mentors Moving & Storage (4.66/5 stars): 90.3% positive customer ratings.
  3. Lifetime Moving And Storage (4.56/5 stars): 80.6% positive customer ratings.
  4. Beltmann Relocation Group (4.5/5 stars): 78.4% positive customer ratings.
  5. Arizona Discount Movers (4.48/5 stars): 82.3% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 174 movers in Phoenix, drawing on 57,126 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.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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 November 2026 across 242+ 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
Population1,608,139542,629
Political leaningRepublican 52-48Republican 52-48
Summer high105ºF101ºF
Winter low43ºF38ºF
Annual rain9"12"
Annual snow0"0"
Crime index53.0654.43

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 25% of movers in Arizona, vs 23% 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

Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Tucson's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.

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 (4.62/5) is the top local choice, with 93.8% positive reviews across 2,291 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $120 - $3,838, based on our analysis of 242+ Arizona movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Phoenix to Tucson

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Phoenix to Tucson?

A full-service move from Phoenix to Tucson costs $543 - $2,287 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,089 - $3,252, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,477 - $3,838.

What percentage of Phoenix movers handle piano or antique moves?

About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.

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 $463 - $1,149 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $848 - $1,555, and a larger home costs $1,131 - $1,872.

How many movers in Phoenix offer labor-only help?

30% of movers in Phoenix offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.