($559+) San Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,212 to $7,865, with an average cost of $3,000. Moves can be as low as $559 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 719 miles and usually takes 1 to 6 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 Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from San Jose to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,212 - $7,865 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,000, 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 719 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 719-mile route from San Jose to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,212 - $4,246 with full-service movers, $1,094 - $1,868 with a container, $511 - $1,019 with a rental truck, or $947 - $1,840 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,367 - $6,034 full-service, $1,336 - $2,698 by container, $592 - $1,175 by rental truck, or $1,124 - $2,289 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,073 - $7,865 full-service, $1,900 - $3,363 by container, $762 - $1,496 by rental truck, or $1,521 - $2,719 by freight.
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 Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from San Jose, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $1,212 and $7,865. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 719-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $551 - $3,676, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Jose and Tempe. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Jose tend to start around $316 plus $119/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,212 - $4,246
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,367 - $6,034
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,073 - $7,865
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 Jose 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 Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of San Jose 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 packing97% of local movers | $919 - $9,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $368 - $2,206/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $551 - $4,411 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage47% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,838 - $5,514 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,595 - $18,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,377 - $2,615 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,838 - $4,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,470 - $6,433 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $551 - $2,757 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoni Moving Services LLC | $1,195 - $3,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $551 - $27,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $551 - $6,433+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,094 and $3,363. 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 Jose costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,094 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,336 - $2,698
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,900 - $3,363
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $138 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $276 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 $1,287 in San Jose, 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 $1,094. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,336 - $2,698, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
- Trek Movers (4.8/5), 10 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 719 miles from San Jose, California, to Tempe, Arizona, running $511 - $1,496. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $420 - $481
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Jose to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $511 - $1,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $592 - $1,175
- 4+ bedrooms: $762 - $1,496
Pro tip: The base rate of $511 - $1,496 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Jose to Tempe. Fuel ($420 - $481) , lodging at around $276/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in San Jose, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,287.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $420 - $481 for the 719-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 $110 and $597, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $276 per night for hotel stops on the 719-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $551 - $827.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose 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 Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Jose, California, 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 $1,654 and $2,289.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $947 - $1,840
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $2,289
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,521 - $2,719
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Jose, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,287.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $138 - $276 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 San Jose to Tempe?
- 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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Jose to Tempe, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: San Jose, 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 Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 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 Jose, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California 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 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 719-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 719-mile route from San Jose, CA, to Tempe, AZ, run $1,212 - $7,865 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,094 - $3,363, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $511 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,367, 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 Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Tempe, AZ
What do local movers charge in San Jose?
Local movers based in San Jose typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $119/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 Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Jose, CA 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.
How much does it cost to move from San Jose, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $1,212 to $7,865, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,212 and $7,865, 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 Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 51 and 62 in San Jose. 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 ($420 - $481), daily insurance ($55/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $37) on top. Overnight stops can add another $276/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of San Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
