($537+) San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $1,193 to $7,502, with an average cost of $2,800. Moves can be as low as $537 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 753 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 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 Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from San Francisco to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,193 - $7,502 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 753 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 753-mile route from San Francisco to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,193 for a studio up to $7,502 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,002 - $3,325 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $548 - $1,411, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $987 - $2,687, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers for the 753-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,193 and $7,502. 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 $577 - $3,844, 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 San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $4,274
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,190 - $5,602
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,844 - $7,502
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 Francisco to Phoenix.
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 Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Phoenix, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $961 - $9,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $384 - $2,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $577 - $4,613 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,922 - $5,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,805 - $19,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,440 - $2,735 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,922 - $4,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,538 - $6,727 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $577 - $2,883 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,249 - $3,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $577 - $28,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $577 - $6,727+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Phoenix?
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 San Francisco, CA, 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 San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,002 and $3,325. 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 San Francisco typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,002 - $1,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,833 - $3,325
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In San Francisco, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,345, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $144 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $288 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Francisco, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,002. 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 $1,273 - $2,554.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Phoenix?
- 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Truck rentals from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, range from $548 - $1,411 for the 753-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $460 - $526
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $548 - $990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $602 - $1,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $719 - $1,411
Pro tip: The base rate of $548 - $1,411 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Phoenix. Fuel ($460 - $526), lodging at around $288/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $288 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $125 and $625 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $460 - $526 in fuel for the 753-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,345 in San Francisco, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Phoenix?
- 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 Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, 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 Phoenix, 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 $1,126 and $2,169.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,169
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,394 - $2,687
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,345.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $144 and $288 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Phoenix?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Francisco to Phoenix, 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 Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Phoenix, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $380,294 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $77,041/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 46.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Phoenix, AZ to San Francisco, 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 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 753-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,193 for a studio to $7,502 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 753-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,002 - $3,325. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $548 - $1,411, 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 $2,190 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Phoenix, AZ
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.
Is Phoenix a safe place to live?
Phoenix has a safety index of 46.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.06, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
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 $602 - $1,247. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Phoenix?
For families, Arcadia/Biltmore, Ahwatukee, and Coronado are worth a look in Phoenix. If you're moving solo or without kids, Camelback East, Encanto, and Estrella Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 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 San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.