Moving from Tempe to Scottsdale, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Scottsdale costs between $38 to $4,118 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 5-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tempe to Scottsdale
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tempe to Scottsdale are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tempe to driving and unloading in Scottsdale, 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 5 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $786 - $2,654 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $395 - $1,121 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $50 - $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 Tempe to Scottsdale?
It costs between $38 to $4,118 to move from Tempe to Scottsdale. The prices below break down your 5-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $467 - $4,118
- Moving containers: $122 - $1,503
- Rental trucks: $38 - $144
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $467 - $1,363 | $122 - $789 | $38 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $786 - $2,654 | $395 - $1,121 | $50 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303 - $4,118 | $824 - $1,503 | $66 - $144 |
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 Tempe to Scottsdale
At 5 miles, your Tempe to Scottsdale 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 Tempe to Scottsdale. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 5 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tempe to Scottsdale. 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 Scottsdale to Tempe guide.
Considerations when moving from Tempe to Scottsdale
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Scottsdale
When comparing the cost of living between Tempe and Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale stacks up against Tempe.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tempe | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,834 | $3,300 |
| Average home cost | $421,086 | $709,486 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,643 | $107,372 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,433 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.1% | 8.05% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 80% higher than in Tempe. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Scottsdale are 68% higher than in Tempe, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 38% higher than in Tempe. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Scottsdale are 6% higher than in Tempe, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Scottsdale is 33% lower than in Tempe. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Scottsdale is 13% lower than in Tempe. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Scottsdale and Tempe, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,180 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Tempe.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Scottsdale
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Scottsdale vs. Tempe. 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.
| Tempe | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 241,361 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 25.8 |
Scottsdale sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Scottsdale is around 34% bigger than Tempe. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Scottsdale leaned Republican, while Tempe went Democratic.
- Both Scottsdale and Tempe 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 Tempe and Scottsdale experience similar winter lows, with Tempe reaching 42°F and Scottsdale getting down to 42°F.
- Both Tempe and Scottsdale see about the same yearly rainfall—Tempe averages 9 inches, while Scottsdale gets 11 inches each year.
- Both Tempe and Scottsdale receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Scottsdale is safer than Tempe, boasting a lower crime index of 25.8 compared to Tempe’s 42.36.
Things to do in Scottsdale
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Scottsdale has you covered.
Museums in Scottsdale
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
- Penske Racing Museum
- Cosanti
- Wonderspaces Arizona
- Main Street Arts District
Parks in Scottsdale
- Chaparral Park
- Xeriscape Garden
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden
- George "Doc" Cavalliere Park
Sports teams in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB)
Universities in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Community College
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
- University of Phoenix
- Gateway Seminary
- Scottsdale Culinary Institute
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tempe to Scottsdale?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Tempe to Scottsdale, expect to pay between $333 and $1,109 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $786 and $2,654. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,303 up to $4,118 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Scottsdale?
If you’re moving from Tempe to Scottsdale and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $120 and go up to $758. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $395 and $1,121. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $824 and $1,503.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Scottsdale?
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 $39 to $96. A larger move will cost $50 to $119, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Tempe to Scottsdale costs from $66 to $144.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Scottsdale movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Tempe to Scottsdale 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 Tempe-to-Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?
To save money on your move to Scottsdale, 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.
