($349+) San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,055 to $7,107, with an average cost of $2,200. Moves can be as low as $349 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 356 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from San Diego to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,055 - $7,107 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 356 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 356-mile route from San Diego to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,055 - $4,021 | $917 - $1,691 | $342 - $645 | $867 - $1,418 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,837 - $5,096 | $1,125 - $2,216 | $388 - $780 | $985 - $1,863 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,800 - $7,107 | $1,552 - $2,820 | $485 - $878 | $1,203 - $2,279 |
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 San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 356-mile move from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, with costs ranging from $1,055 - $7,107. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $415 - $2,764. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Diego and Tempe. Local movers in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,055 - $4,021
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $5,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,800 - $7,107
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 San Diego to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $691 - $6,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $276 - $1,658/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $415 - $3,317 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,382 - $4,146 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,455 - $13,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,035 - $1,967 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,382 - $3,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,106 - $4,837 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $415 - $2,073 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp | $898 - $2,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $415 - $20,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $415 - $4,837+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Tempe?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in San Diego, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from San Diego to Tempe with a local mover averages $1,801 - $4,995. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in San Diego, CA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Best California Movers (4.58/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in San Diego, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,177 customers, 98.5% of which is positive.
Address: 12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA, 92064 | Founded: 2018
Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $917 and $2,820. 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 San Diego typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $917 - $1,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,552 - $2,820
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $104 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $207 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tempe, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $967 in San Diego, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona 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 $917. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,125 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Diego to Tempe?
- 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 San Diego 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 San Diego:
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
- Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 356-mile move from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $342 and $878, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $157 - $179
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 San Diego to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $342 - $645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $388 - $780
- 4+ bedrooms: $485 - $878
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $342 - $878 does not include fuel ($157 - $179) , lodging ($207/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Diego to Tempe typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $104 and $484.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $207.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $157 and $179 for the 356-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $967 for 2 movers in San Diego, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Tempe?
- 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 San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
For larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $985 and $1,863.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $867 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,863
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,203 - $2,279
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $104 - $207 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Diego, California, for about five hours typically runs $967.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tempe 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: San Diego, CA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 356-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Diego, CA, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,055 for a studio to $7,107 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 356-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $917 - $2,820. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $342 - $878, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,837 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Tempe, AZ
How walkable is Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 53 and 43 in San Diego. 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 ($157 - $179), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $207/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
What is the best time of year to move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
