Moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix costs between $37 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 12-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Scottsdale to Phoenix
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix 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 Phoenix, 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 | $770 - $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 | $49 - $120 | 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 Phoenix?
It costs between $37 to $4,158 to move from Scottsdale to Phoenix. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $471 - $4,158
- Moving containers: $126 - $1,597
- Rental trucks: $37 - $153
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $471 - $1,363 | $126 - $855 | $37 - $99 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,732 | $384 - $1,132 | $49 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,343 - $4,158 | $840 - $1,597 | $62 - $153 |
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 Phoenix
At 12 miles, your Scottsdale to Phoenix 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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix to Scottsdale guide.
Considerations when moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix
Cost of living: Scottsdale vs. Phoenix
Comparing life in Scottsdale and Phoenix goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Phoenix stacks up against Scottsdale.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $709,486 | $380,294 |
| Average income (per capita) | $107,372 | $77,041 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.05% | 8.6% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 49% lower than in Scottsdale, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Phoenix are 46% lower than in Scottsdale, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Phoenix is 28% lower than in Scottsdale, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Phoenix means you’ll spend 59% less on living expenses than you would in Scottsdale. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re moving your family to Phoenix, expect living costs to be about 14% higher than in Scottsdale. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Phoenix a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Phoenix is 40% higher than in Scottsdale. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales tax in Phoenix is 7% higher than in Scottsdale, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Scottsdale, you’d need roughly $1,230 to maintain the same lifestyle in Phoenix.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Phoenix
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Phoenix compared to Scottsdale. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Scottsdale | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 1,608,139 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 25.8 | 53.06 |
Phoenix sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Phoenix is approximately 566% greater than the population of Scottsdale. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Scottsdale and Phoenix both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Scottsdale and Phoenix won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 105°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Scottsdale and Phoenix experience similar lows—expect 42°F in Scottsdale and 43°F in Phoenix.
- Both Scottsdale and Phoenix experience similar annual rainfall, with Scottsdale receiving 11 inches and Phoenix getting 9 inches.
- Both Scottsdale and Phoenix receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Phoenix (53.06) than in Scottsdale (25.8).
Things to do in Phoenix
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Phoenix.
Museums in Phoenix
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Heard Museum
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
Parks in Phoenix
- Encanto Park
- Freestone Park
- Tempe Beach Park
- Desert Breeze Park
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Sports teams in Phoenix
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
Universities in Phoenix
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
- Phoenix College
- Phoenix Seminary
- Barrow Neurological Institute
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Scottsdale to Phoenix?
Shipping furniture from Scottsdale to Phoenix with a mover will cost between $354 and $1,202. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $770–$2,732, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Scottsdale to Phoenix will cost from $1,343–$4,158.
How much are moving container companies from Scottsdale to Phoenix?
If you're moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $115 to $806. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $384 and $1,132. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $840 up to $1,597.
How much is a moving truck from Scottsdale to Phoenix?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $39 and $94. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $49 to $120. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Scottsdale to Phoenix, truck rental prices typically range from $62 up to $153.
How far in advance should I book Scottsdale-to-Phoenix movers?
For a smooth move from Scottsdale to Phoenix, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Phoenix?
To score the best moving deals to Phoenix, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
