Moving from Scottsdale to Tempe, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Scottsdale to Tempe costs between $38 to $4,158 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 6-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Scottsdale to Tempe
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Scottsdale to Tempe 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 Tempe, 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 6 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 - $2,732 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $384 - $1,132 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $124 | 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 Tempe?
It costs between $38 to $4,158 to move from Scottsdale to Tempe. The prices below break down your 6-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $435 - $4,158
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,550
- Rental trucks: $38 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $435 - $1,431 | $127 - $839 | $38 - $101 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $762 - $2,732 | $384 - $1,132 | $48 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,158 | $832 - $1,550 | $60 - $158 |
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 Tempe
At 6 miles, your Scottsdale to Tempe 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 Tempe. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 6 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Scottsdale to Tempe. 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 Tempe to Scottsdale guide.
Considerations when moving from Scottsdale to Tempe
Cost of living: Scottsdale vs. Tempe
When comparing the cost of living between Scottsdale and Tempe, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Tempe stacks up against Scottsdale.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,834 |
| Average home cost | $709,486 | $421,086 |
| Average income (per capita) | $107,372 | $77,643 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.05% | 8.1% |
- Rent in Tempe is about 44% cheaper than in Scottsdale, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Tempe are 41% lower than in Scottsdale, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Tempe is 28% lower than in Scottsdale. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Tempe is 6% lower than in Scottsdale. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- Living costs here run about 49% higher than in Scottsdale. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Tempe one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Tempe is 15% higher than in Scottsdale. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Tempe and Scottsdale, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,820 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Tempe
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Tempe vs. Scottsdale. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Scottsdale | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 180,587 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 25.8 | 42.36 |
Tempe sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Tempe has about 25% fewer people than Scottsdale. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Tempe leaned Democratic, while Scottsdale went Republican.
- Both Tempe and Scottsdale average summer highs close to 104°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Scottsdale and Tempe experience similar winter lows, with Scottsdale reaching 42°F and Tempe getting down to 42°F.
- Both Scottsdale and Tempe see about the same yearly rainfall—Scottsdale averages 11 inches, while Tempe gets 9 inches each year.
- Both Scottsdale and Tempe receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tempe has a higher crime rate than Scottsdale, with a crime index of 42.36 vs 25.8.
Things to do in Tempe
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Tempe has you covered.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Scottsdale to Tempe?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Scottsdale to Tempe, expect to pay between $354 and $1,109 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $762 and $2,732. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,317 up to $4,158 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Scottsdale to Tempe?
If you’re moving from Scottsdale to Tempe and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $115 and go up to $822. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $384 and $1,132. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $832 and $1,550.
How much is a moving truck from Scottsdale to Tempe?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $37 to $92. A larger move will cost $48 to $124, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Scottsdale to Tempe costs from $60 to $158.
How far in advance should I book Scottsdale-to-Tempe movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Scottsdale to Tempe at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Scottsdale-to-Tempe movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tempe?
To save money on your move to Tempe, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
