Moving from Tucson to Tempe, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tucson to Tempe costs between $124 to $4,575 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 107-mile route within Arizona take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tucson to Tempe
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tucson to Tempe are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tucson 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 107 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,237 - $3,741 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,067 - $1,928 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $136 - $228 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | E-Z Move | $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 Tucson to Tempe?
It costs between $124 to $4,575 to move from Tucson to Tempe. The prices below break down your 107-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $724 - $4,575
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,361
- Rental trucks: $124 - $238
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $724 - $3,195 | $824 - $1,351 | $124 - $192 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,237 - $3,741 | $1,067 - $1,928 | $136 - $228 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,878 - $4,575 | $1,352 - $2,361 | $149 - $238 |
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 | $291 - $2,425+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $194 - $776 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $49 - $194 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tucson to Tempe
At 107 miles, your Tucson 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 Tucson to Tempe. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 107 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tucson to Tempe. They've been in business since 1991 (35 years of experience) and 86.1% of their 202 verified reviews are positive.
More Arizona moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe to Tucson guide.
Considerations when moving from Tucson to Tempe
Cost of living: Tucson vs. Tempe
The cost of living in Tucson vs. Tempe goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Tempe stacks up against Tucson.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tucson | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,834 |
| Average home cost | $240,428 | $421,086 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,546 | $77,643 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,390 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,043 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.7% | 8.1% |
- Rent prices in Tempe are 42% higher than in Tucson. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Tempe are 75% higher than in Tucson. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Tempe, where the average salary is 42% higher than in Tucson, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 127% higher than in Tucson, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Tempe? Get ready for living expenses to be about 13% higher than in Tucson. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Tempe is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is 27% lower than in Tucson, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll benefit from 7% lower sales taxes in Tempe compared to Tucson, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Tucson, expect to budget around $6,810 to maintain the same lifestyle in Tempe.
How life is different in Tucson vs. Tempe
As you plan your move, comparing life in Tucson vs. Tempe 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 Tucson and Tempe to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Tucson | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 180,587 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 101ºF | 104ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 42.36 |
Tempe sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Tempe is about 67% less populated than Tucson. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- In the last presidential election, Tempe voted Democratic and Tucson voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Tempe and Tucson are nearly identical, with averages around 104°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Tucson and Tempe experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 38°F and 42°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Tucson to Tempe. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 12 inches in Tucson and 9 inches in Tempe.
- Both Tucson and Tempe receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Tempe has a lower crime rate than Tucson, with a crime index of 42.36 vs 54.43.
Things to do in Tempe
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Tempe has something for everyone.
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 Tucson to Tempe?
Moving your furniture from Tucson to Tempe with a professional moving company usually ranges from $634 to $2,671. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,237 and $3,741. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,878 to $4,575 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Tucson to Tempe?
If you’re moving from Tucson to Tempe and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $543 to $1,333. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,067 and $1,928. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,352 to $2,361.
How much is a moving truck from Tucson to Tempe?
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 $128 and $197. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $136 to $228. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Tucson to Tempe, rental prices generally fall between $149 and $238.
How far in advance should I book Tucson-to-Tempe movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Tucson to Tempe 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 Tucson-to-Tempe 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 Tempe?
If you want to save money on your move to Tempe, 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.
