($705+) Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to McKinney, TX, runs anywhere from $705 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,991 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,086 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 $2,205, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,991 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,206 - $4,048, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $705 - $1,939.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to McKinney, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,584 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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to McKinney: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,584 - $6,205. Moving containers run about 44% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 70% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,086-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,086-mile route from Tempe to McKinney, 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 $2,205 - $4,822 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,206 - $2,271), rental truck ($705 - $1,366), or freight trailer ($1,011 - $2,043). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,584 - $6,205 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,991.
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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
Full-service movers for the 1,086-mile relocation from Tempe, Arizona, to McKinney, Texas, cost between $2,205 and $7,991. 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 $338 - $2,252, 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 Tempe typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,205 - $4,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,584 - $6,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,337 - $7,991
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 Tempe to McKinney.
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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In McKinney, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to McKinney?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers 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 Tempe, AZ. 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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to McKinney, Texas, cost between $1,206 and $4,048. 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 Tempe typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,206 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,446 - $2,947
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,118 - $4,048
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 Tempe, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $788, 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 $84 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $169 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Tempe, AZ, and McKinney, TX, 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 Arizona to Texas 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 $1,206. 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 $1,446 - $2,947.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to McKinney?
- 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,086 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to McKinney, Texas, running $705 - $1,939. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $389 - $445
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Tempe to McKinney based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $705 - $1,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $769 - $1,484
- 4+ bedrooms: $919 - $1,939
Pro tip: The base rate of $705 - $1,939 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to McKinney. Fuel ($389 - $445), lodging at around $169/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 $169 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 $73 and $366 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $389 - $445 in fuel for the 1,086-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $788 in Tempe, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe to McKinney?
- 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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to McKinney, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,169 and $2,334.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,011 - $2,043
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,169 - $2,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,595 - $3,143
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tempe, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $788.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $169 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 Tempe to McKinney?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tempe to McKinney, 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: Tempe, AZ vs McKinney, TX
Good news for your budget: McKinney isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Tempe. Cost of living index runs 112 there against 113 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 54/100 and 57.64/100 here versus 27/100 and 78.52/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney, TX to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Texas in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 242 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,086-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, to McKinney, TX, 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 $2,205 - $7,991 on the 1,086-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,206 - $4,048 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $705 - $1,939 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,584 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 Globe Life and SRS Distribution.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to McKinney, TX
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 do local movers charge in Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/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 McKinney 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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX?
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 Tempe, AZ to McKinney, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $705 to $7,991, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,205 and $7,991, 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 McKinney?
McKinney has a walkability score of 27 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, compared to 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.