Moving from Scottsdale to Mesa, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Scottsdale to Mesa costs between $38 to $3,958 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 12-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Scottsdale to Mesa
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Scottsdale to Mesa are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Scottsdale to driving and unloading in Mesa, 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 12 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $762 - $2,550 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $399 - $1,121 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $119 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gilbert Moving & Storage | $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 Scottsdale to Mesa?
It costs between $38 to $3,958 to move from Scottsdale to Mesa. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $453 - $3,958
- Moving containers: $120 - $1,628
- Rental trucks: $38 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $453 - $1,363 | $120 - $797 | $38 - $99 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $762 - $2,550 | $399 - $1,121 | $47 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303 - $3,958 | $784 - $1,628 | $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 Scottsdale to Mesa
At 12 miles, your Scottsdale to Mesa 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 Scottsdale to Mesa. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 12 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Scottsdale to Mesa. 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 Mesa to Scottsdale guide.
Considerations when moving from Scottsdale to Mesa
Cost of living: Scottsdale vs. Mesa
The cost of living in Scottsdale vs. Mesa goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Mesa stacks up against Scottsdale.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,786 |
| Average home cost | $709,486 | $354,997 |
| Average income (per capita) | $107,372 | $78,779 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.05% | 8.3% |
- Rent in Mesa is roughly 46% less expensive than in Scottsdale. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Mesa are 50% lower than in Scottsdale, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Mesa is 27% lower than in Scottsdale. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 58% lower than in Scottsdale. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- Moving your family to Mesa? Get ready for living expenses to be about 22% higher than in Scottsdale. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Mesa is a pricier place for families.
- Unemployment in Mesa is 30% higher than in Scottsdale. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Mesa and Scottsdale, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Scottsdale, expect to budget around $1,260 to maintain the same lifestyle in Mesa.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Mesa
As you plan your move, comparing life in Scottsdale vs. Mesa is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Scottsdale and Mesa to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Scottsdale | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 504,258 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 40ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 10" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 25.8 | 44.67 |
Mesa sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Mesa is about 109% larger than Scottsdale. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Scottsdale and Mesa siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Mesa and Scottsdale are nearly identical, with averages around 105°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Scottsdale and Mesa experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 42°F and 40°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Scottsdale to Mesa. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 11 inches in Scottsdale and 10 inches in Mesa.
- Both Scottsdale and Mesa receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Mesa, with an index of 44.67, compared to Scottsdale at 25.8.
Things to do in Mesa
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Mesa has something for everyone.
Museums in Mesa
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Mesa Arts Center
- i.d.e.a. Museum
- Mesa Historical Museum
Parks in Mesa
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
- Freestone Park
- Riverview Park
- Pioneer Park
Sports teams in Mesa
Universities in Mesa
- Mesa Community College,
- Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University
- A. T. Still University: Osteopathic Medical School
- CAE Global Academy Phoenix
- Albright College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Scottsdale to Mesa?
Moving your furniture from Scottsdale to Mesa with a professional moving company usually ranges from $350 to $1,156. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $762 and $2,550. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,303 to $3,958 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Scottsdale to Mesa?
If you’re moving from Scottsdale to Mesa and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $117 to $798. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $399 and $1,121. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $784 to $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Scottsdale to Mesa?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $37 and $94. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $47 to $119. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Scottsdale to Mesa, rental prices generally fall between $64 and $149.
How far in advance should I book Scottsdale-to-Mesa movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Scottsdale to Mesa at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Scottsdale-to-Mesa movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mesa?
If you want to save money on your move to Mesa, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
