($745+) Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $823 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,271 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,196 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,272, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,271 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,233 - $4,218, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $823 - $2,145.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Kansas City, MO, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,749 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Kansas City to Tempe: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,749 - $6,332. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,196-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,196-mile route from Kansas City to Tempe, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,272 - $5,263 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,233 - $2,360), rental truck ($823 - $1,434), or freight trailer ($1,134 - $2,080). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,749 - $6,332 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,271.
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 Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,196-mile move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $2,272 - $8,271. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $294 - $1,960 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Kansas City and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Kansas City movers tend to run around $251 as a base rate plus $113/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Kansas City to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,272 - $5,263
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,749 - $6,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,649 - $8,271
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 Kansas City to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 72% of Kansas City 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 | $490 - $4,900 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Bellhop Moving | $196 - $1,176/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $294 - $2,352 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $980 - $2,940 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,450 - $9,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $734 - $1,395 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $980 - $2,450 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $784 - $3,430 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling32% of local movers | $294 - $1,470 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $637 - $1,960 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $294 - $14,700+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $294 - $3,430+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Kansas City to Tempe?
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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Kansas City, MO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Kansas City, Missouri, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,233 and $4,218. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Kansas City typically costs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Kansas City to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,332 - $4,218
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $74 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $147 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 $686 in Kansas City, MO. 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 Missouri 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 $1,233. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,673 - $3,454, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City:
- Moving Proz (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 1,196-mile move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $823 and $2,145. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $373 - $426
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Kansas City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Kansas City to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $823 - $1,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $890 - $1,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,023 - $2,145
Pro tip: The base rate of $823 - $2,145 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Kansas City to Tempe. Fuel ($373 - $426) , lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $74 and $343.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $147.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $373 and $426 for the 1,196-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 $686 for 2 movers in Kansas City, Missouri, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Kansas City 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 Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Kansas City, Missouri, to Tempe, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $882 and $2,550.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Kansas City to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,134 - $2,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,811 - $3,481
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $74 - $147 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Kansas City, Missouri, for about five hours typically runs $686.
What are the best freight companies from Kansas City to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Material Transport Co (4.62/5 stars): Material Transport Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: Kansas City, MO 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 Kansas City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Kansas City, MO | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 88 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $223,324 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $67,449/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 42.6/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Kansas City, MO guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Arizona 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 54 movers in our Missouri network to compare for this 1,196-mile move.
Our take
A move from Kansas City, MO, to Tempe, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,272 - $8,271 on the 1,196-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,233 - $4,218, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $823 - $2,145. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,749 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Tempe, AZ
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 35 and 35 in Kansas City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, compared to 42.6 and 58.4 in Kansas City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Kansas City, MO to Tempe, AZ?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Kansas City, MO 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 percentage of Kansas City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Kansas City handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
