($404+) Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Tucson, AZ, runs anywhere from $404 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,723 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 451 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 $1,263, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,723 or more.
- Moving containers run $916 - $2,893, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $404 - $994.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Tucson, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,009 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 Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Albuquerque to Tucson: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,009 - $5,337. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 451 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 451-mile route from Albuquerque to Tucson, 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 $1,263 - $3,813 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($916 - $1,587), rental truck ($404 - $689), or freight trailer ($850 - $1,400). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,009 - $5,337 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,723.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
For the 451-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Tucson, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,263 and $7,723. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $282 - $1,880 (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 Albuquerque generally start around $185 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $3,813
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,009 - $5,337
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,651 - $7,723
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 Albuquerque to Tucson.
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 Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tucson, 48% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $470 - $4,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $188 - $1,128/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $282 - $2,256 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $940 - $2,820 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,350 - $9,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $704 - $1,338 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $940 - $2,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type24% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $752 - $3,290 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $282 - $1,410 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: EXCEPTIONAL (NM) | $611 - $1,880 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $282 - $14,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $282 - $3,290+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Tucson?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Albuquerque, NM?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Albuquerque to Tucson with a local mover averages $2,109 - $5,603. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Albuquerque, NM often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Johnson Storage & Moving (4.52/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Albuquerque, based on our analysis of feedback from 68 customers, 80.9% of which is positive.
Address: 215 Rossmoor Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87113 | Founded: 1900
Moving container costs from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Tucson, Arizona, cost between $916 and $2,893. 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 Albuquerque typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $916 - $1,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,589 - $2,893
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $141 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $658 in Albuquerque, NM, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tucson, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $916. 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 $1,173 - $2,234.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque to Tucson?
- 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Mr. Move It All (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
Plan on $404 - $994 for a rental moving truck on the 451-mile route from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Tucson, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $135 - $154
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Tucson based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $404 - $689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $414 - $818
- 4+ bedrooms: $511 - $994
Pro tip: The base rate of $404 - $994 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Albuquerque to Tucson. Fuel ($135 - $154), lodging at around $141/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $658.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $135 - $154 for the 451-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 $56 and $306, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 451-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $282 - $423.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque to Tucson?
- 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 Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Tucson, 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 $985 and $1,805.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,400
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,805
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,245
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $658.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $141 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Tucson?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Albuquerque to Tucson. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Albuquerque, NM vs Tucson, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Albuquerque and Tucson to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 97. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,295/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 43 vs. 43. Safety index: 28.28 vs. 45.57.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson, AZ to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico 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 39 movers in our New Mexico network to compare for this 451-mile move.
Our take
A move from Albuquerque, NM, to Tucson, 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 $1,263 - $7,723 on the 451-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $916 - $2,893, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $404 - $994. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,009 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Tucson tend to point to beautiful nature and renowned cuisine, though high crime rate and low economic opportunity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include University of Arizona and Raytheon Technologies.
FAQs: Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Tucson, AZ
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($135 - $154), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Tucson?
Tucson has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 43 and 61 in Albuquerque. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $404 to $7,723, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,263 and $7,723, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, 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 percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 24% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.