($350+) Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $340 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,091 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 344 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,028, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,091 or more.
- Moving containers run $896 - $2,831, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $340 - $923.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,835 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
Moving options from Tempe to Ontario fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,835 - $5,005 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 344 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 344-mile route from Tempe to Ontario, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,028 - $3,961 | $896 - $1,635 | $340 - $613 | $815 - $1,384 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,835 - $5,005 | $1,111 - $2,227 | $365 - $756 | $935 - $1,746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,656 - $7,091 | $1,484 - $2,831 | $439 - $923 | $1,188 - $2,377 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
For the 344-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Ontario, California, full-service movers cost between $1,028 and $7,091. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $346 - $2,308 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,028 - $3,961
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,835 - $5,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,656 - $7,091
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tempe to Ontario.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ontario, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $577 - $5,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $231 - $1,385/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $346 - $2,770 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,154 - $3,462 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,885 - $11,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $864 - $1,642 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,154 - $2,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $923 - $4,039 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $346 - $1,731 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $750 - $2,308 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $346 - $17,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $346 - $4,039+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Ontario?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Tempe, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tempe to Ontario with a local mover averages $1,780 - $4,855. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Tempe, AZ can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Tempe, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Ontario, California, cost between $896 and $2,831. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Tempe typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,111 - $2,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,484 - $2,831
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Tempe, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $808, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $173 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Tempe, AZ, and Ontario, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $896. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,111 - $2,227, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to Ontario?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tempe to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tempe:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 344 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to Ontario, California, running $340 - $923. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $126 - $144
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tempe to Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $340 - $613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $365 - $756
- 4+ bedrooms: $439 - $923
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $340 - $923 when pricing out a rental truck from Tempe to Ontario. Fuel alone runs ($126 - $144) , and overnight lodging ($173/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tempe, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $808.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $126 - $144 for the 344-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $69 and $375, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $173 per night for hotel stops on the 344-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $346 - $519.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe to Ontario?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Ontario, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $935 and $1,746.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $815 - $1,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $935 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,377
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tempe, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $808.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $87 - $173 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Ontario?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ontario fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Ontario, CA
Good news for your budget: Ontario isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Tempe. Cost of living index runs 119 there against 113 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 54/100 and 57.64/100 here versus 48/100 and 49.75/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario, CA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 97 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 344-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 344-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Ontario, CA, run $1,028 - $7,091 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $896 - $2,831, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $340 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,835, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Ontario, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to Ontario, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,028 to $7,091, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,028 and $7,091, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Ontario?
Ontario has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($126 - $144), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $173/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.