($517+) San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ ranges from $1,219 to $7,593, with an average cost of $2,950. Moves can be as low as $517 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 769 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 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 Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
Moving options from San Francisco to Mesa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,219 - $7,593 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 769 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 769-mile route from San Francisco to Mesa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,219 - $4,542 | $1,088 - $1,863 | $555 - $1,022 | $903 - $1,660 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,399 - $5,783 | $1,370 - $2,798 | $604 - $1,214 | $1,053 - $2,025 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,772 - $7,593 | $1,782 - $3,330 | $720 - $1,472 | $1,528 - $2,831 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
For the 769-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Mesa, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,219 and $7,593. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $577 - $3,844 (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 San Francisco generally start around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $4,542
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,399 - $5,783
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,772 - $7,593
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 Francisco to Mesa.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Mesa, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $961 - $9,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $384 - $2,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $577 - $4,613 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,922 - $5,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,805 - $19,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,440 - $2,735 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,922 - $4,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,538 - $6,727 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $577 - $2,883 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,249 - $3,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $577 - $28,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $577 - $6,727+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Mesa?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Mesa, Arizona, cost between $1,088 and $3,330. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,088 - $1,863
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,370 - $2,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,782 - $3,330
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Mesa, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,345 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $144 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $288 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,088. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,370 - $2,798.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Mesa?
- 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 769 miles from San Francisco, California, to Mesa, Arizona, running $555 - $1,472. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $470 - $537
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Mesa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $555 - $1,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $604 - $1,214
- 4+ bedrooms: $720 - $1,472
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Francisco to Mesa starts at $555 - $1,472, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($470 - $537), overnight lodging ($288/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $144 and $673.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $288.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $470 and $537 for the 769-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 $1,345 for 2 movers in San Francisco, 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 Francisco to Mesa?
- 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 Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, 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 Mesa, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,053 and $2,025.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $903 - $1,660
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,053 - $2,025
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,528 - $2,831
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 $144 - $288 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,345.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Mesa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Mesa, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Mesa, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $354,997 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $78,779/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 38/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 55.33/100 |
| 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 Mesa, AZ to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 769-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 769-mile route from San Francisco, CA, to Mesa, AZ, run $1,219 - $7,593 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,088 - $3,330, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $555 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,399, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Mesa tend to point to bountiful outdoor activities and beautiful nature, though terrible traffic and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Banner Health System and Mesa Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Mesa, AZ
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Mesa run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $517 to $7,593, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,219 and $7,593, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $604 - $1,214. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($470 - $537), daily insurance ($58/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $38) on top. Overnight stops can add another $288/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.