($721+) Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Austin, TX, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $714 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,231 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,003 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 $2,298, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,231 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,219 - $3,944, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $714 - $1,808.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Austin, TX, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,723 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 Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Austin to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,723 - $6,155 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,003 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,003-mile route from Austin to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,298 for a studio up to $8,231 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,219 - $3,944 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $714 - $1,808, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,075 - $3,253, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Full-service movers for the 1,003-mile relocation from Austin, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $2,298 and $8,231. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $368 - $2,452, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Austin typically charge a base rate around $191 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Austin to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,298 - $5,025
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,723 - $6,155
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,375 - $8,231
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 Austin to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas 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 Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of Austin 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 | $613 - $6,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Black Tie Moving | $245 - $1,471/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $368 - $2,942 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,226 - $3,678 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,065 - $12,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $918 - $1,745 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $1,226 - $3,065 |
| Piano | Any piano type55% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $981 - $4,291 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling26% of local movers | $368 - $1,839 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect26% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $797 - $2,452 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $368 - $18,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $368 - $4,291+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Austin 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Austin, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Austin, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,219 and $3,944. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Austin runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Austin to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $2,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $3,944
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Austin, TX and Tempe, 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 $858 in Austin, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $92 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $184 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 Texas 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 $1,219. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,585 - $3,278, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 7 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 14 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.9/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 1,003-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $714 and $1,808. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $391 - $447
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Austin daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Austin to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $714 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $786 - $1,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $903 - $1,808
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Austin to Tempe starts at $714 - $1,808, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($391 - $447) , overnight lodging ($184/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $92 and $429.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $184.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $391 and $447 for the 1,003-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 $858 for 2 movers in Austin, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Austin 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 Austin, TX to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Austin, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,267 and $2,547.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Austin to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $1,940
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,267 - $2,547
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,253
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $92 - $184 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Austin, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $858.
What are the best freight companies from Austin 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.
- Molina Trucking (4.26/5 stars): Molina Trucking 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: Austin, TX 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 Austin on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 129 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,765/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $512,969 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $91,461/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 59.87/100 | 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 Austin, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 289 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,003-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Austin, TX, to Tempe, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,298 - $8,231 on the 1,003-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,219 - $3,944 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $714 - $1,808 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,723 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Austin, TX, to Tempe, AZ
What do local movers charge in Austin?
Local movers based in Austin typically start around $191 as a base rate, plus $90/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.
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 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 42 and 54 in Austin. 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 59.87 and 42.91 in Austin. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Austin movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 55% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
