($382+) Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA Movers

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Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $382 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,965 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 481 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 $1,162, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,965 or more.
  • Moving containers run $936 - $2,967, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $382 - $1,092.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tucson, AZ, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,951 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

Moving options from Tucson to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,951 - $5,391 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 37% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 481 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 481-mile route from Tucson to Irvine, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,162 - $3,591 $936 - $1,675 $382 - $742 $850 - $1,567
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,951 - $5,391 $1,234 - $2,334 $450 - $906 $959 - $1,885
4+ bedrooms $3,621 - $7,965 $1,657 - $2,967 $512 - $1,092 $1,250 - $2,303

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

For the 481-mile move from Tucson, Arizona, to Irvine, California, full-service movers cost between $1,162 and $7,965. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $373 - $2,484 (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 Tucson generally start around $160 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tucson to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,162 - $3,591
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,951 - $5,391
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,621 - $7,965

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 Tucson to Irvine.

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 Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 48% of Tucson movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing88% of local movers$621 - $6,210
Storage in transitNew place not ready48% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$248 - $1,490/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$373 - $2,981
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers$1,242 - $3,726
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,105 - $12,420
Car shippingSecond vehicle$930 - $1,767
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tucson Moving Service$1,242 - $3,105
PianoAny piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$994 - $4,347
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers$373 - $1,863
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$807 - $2,484
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$373 - $18,630+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$373 - $4,347+

What are the best full-service movers from Tucson to Irvine?

All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

How much do local movers cost in Tucson, AZ?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tucson to Irvine with a local mover averages $2,009 - $5,552. A local mover in Tucson, AZ is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.

Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.

Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (4.62/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Tucson, ranked #4 in Arizona, based on our analysis of feedback from 245 customers, 86.5% of which is positive.

Address: 501 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719 | Founded: 1989

Moving container costs from Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

Moving containers from Tucson, Arizona, to Irvine, California, cost between $936 and $2,967. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Tucson typically runs around $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tucson to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,675
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,234 - $2,334
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,657 - $2,967

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tucson, AZ and Irvine, CA. 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 $869 in Tucson, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $93 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $186 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 Arizona to California 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 $936. 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 $1,234 - $2,334.

What are the best moving containers Tucson to Irvine?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tucson 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 Tucson:

  • E-Z Move (4.4/5), 26 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
  • All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5), 27 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

A rental truck for this 481-mile move from Tucson, Arizona, to Irvine, California, costs between $382 and $1,092. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $190 - $217
  • Daily insurance: $37/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
  • Tucson daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tucson to Irvine based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $382 - $742
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $450 - $906
  • 4+ bedrooms: $512 - $1,092

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $382 - $1,092 when pricing out a rental truck from Tucson to Irvine. Fuel alone runs $190 - $217, and overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $190 - $217 for the 481-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Tucson, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $869.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 481-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $186 per night, adding $373 - $559 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $62 and $373.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tucson to Irvine?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Tucson, Arizona, to Irvine, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $959 and $1,885.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tucson to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,567
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $1,885
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,250 - $2,303

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?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $93 and $186.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Tucson, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $869.

What are the best freight companies from Tucson to Irvine?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Irvine quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Tucson, AZ vs Irvine, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Tucson on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Tucson, AZ Irvine, CA
Cost of living index97165
Average rent$1,295/mo$4,000/mo
Median home value$240,428$1,113,305
Average income$54,546/yr$129,647/yr
Unemployment rate7.4%5.4%
State income taxUp to 2.5%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score43/10043/100
Safety index45.57/10068.99/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 242 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 481-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from Tucson, AZ, to Irvine, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,162 for a studio to $7,965 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 481-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $936 - $2,967. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $382 - $1,092, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,951 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.

FAQs: Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Irvine, CA

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 Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $382 to $7,965, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,162 and $7,965, 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 Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA?

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 $450 - $906. 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 ($190 - $217), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $186/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Tucson, AZ to Irvine, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What percentage of Tucson movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 45% of movers in Tucson handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.