Moving from Tempe to Mesa, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Mesa 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 6-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tempe to Mesa
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tempe to Mesa 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 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 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 | $770 - $2,706 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $384 - $1,110 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $118 | 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 Mesa?
It costs between $37 to $4,158 to move from Tempe to Mesa. The prices below break down your 6-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $444 - $4,158
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,628
- Rental trucks: $37 - $150
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $444 - $1,376 | $117 - $830 | $37 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,706 | $384 - $1,110 | $48 - $118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,369 - $4,158 | $848 - $1,628 | $67 - $150 |
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 Mesa
At 6 miles, your Tempe 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 Tempe to Mesa. 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 Tempe 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 Tempe guide.
Considerations when moving from Tempe to Mesa
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Mesa
When comparing the cost of living between Tempe and Mesa, 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 Mesa stacks up against Tempe.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tempe | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,834 | $1,786 |
| Average home cost | $421,086 | $354,997 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,643 | $78,779 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,433 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.1% | 8.3% |
- Rent prices in Mesa are about the same as in Tempe, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Mesa are 16% lower than in Tempe, 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.
- You’ll find that income levels in Tempe and Mesa are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Cost of living for one person in Mesa is 56% lower than in Tempe. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 18% 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 Mesa is 13% higher than in Tempe. 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 Mesa 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 $1,320 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Tempe.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Mesa
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Mesa 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 | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 504,258 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 40ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 10" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 44.67 |
Mesa sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Mesa is around 179% 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, Mesa leaned Republican, while Tempe went Democratic.
- Both Mesa and Tempe average summer highs close to 105°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Tempe and Mesa experience similar winter lows, with Tempe reaching 42°F and Mesa getting down to 40°F.
- Both Tempe and Mesa see about the same yearly rainfall—Tempe averages 9 inches, while Mesa gets 10 inches each year.
- Both Tempe and Mesa receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Both Tempe and Mesa share similar crime rates, so you won’t notice much difference in safety between them.
Things to do in Mesa
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Mesa has you covered.
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 Tempe to Mesa?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Tempe to Mesa, expect to pay between $364 and $1,156 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $770 and $2,706. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,369 up to $4,158 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Mesa?
If you’re moving from Tempe to Mesa and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $111 and go up to $822. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $384 and $1,110. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $848 and $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Mesa?
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 $38 to $92. A larger move will cost $48 to $118, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Tempe to Mesa costs from $67 to $150.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Mesa movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Tempe to Mesa 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-Mesa 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 Mesa?
To save money on your move to Mesa, 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.
