The best local movers for Austin to Tucson moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Austin that also handles long-distance moves to Tucson. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 33 local movers in Austin who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Austin to Tucson.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Tucson?
The average hourly rate for movers in Texas is $131. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,144 – $4,371 | $754 – $1,908 | $593 – $1,154 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,328 – $5,909 | $1,424 – $2,649 | $666 – $1,358 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,064 – $7,985 | $1,859 – $3,797 | $771 – $1,666 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Tucson
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Austin to Tucson will cost between $1,144 and $4,371. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Austin to Austin will range from $2,328 to $5,909, and a large move from Austin to Tucson will cost from $4,064 to $7,985.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Tucson
If you’re moving from Austin to Tucson, expect to pay between $754 and $1,908 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,424 up to $2,649. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,859 and $3,797. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Tucson
Renting a moving truck from Austin to Tucson is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $593 and $1,154. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $666 and $1,358. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $771 up to $1,666 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Austin to Tucson
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,109, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,461.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Austin, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($593–$1,423) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Austin to Tucson
Many movers find Tucson easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 29% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,390 for one person in Tucson versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $6,043 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,265 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $2,177 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- If you’re heading to Tucson from Austin, you’ll find that rent is roughly 27% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 36% less in Tucson than in Austin.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 10% lower in Tucson compared to Austin.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tucson. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 29% lower than in Austin.
- Choosing to move to Tucson can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23% less than in Austin.
- In Tucson, the unemployment rate is approximately 111% higher than in Austin, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Tucson and Austin (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Arizona has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Austin and Tucson:
| Living Expense | Austin | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $271.98 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $35.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Tucson, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Austin than in Tucson.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Tucson.
- Bread is more expensive in Austin than in Tucson.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Tucson.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Tucson.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Tucson.
How life is different in Austin vs. Tucson
| Austin | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 542,629 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 66 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 54.43 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 45.57 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tucson’s population is about 44% less than Austin.
- Tucson’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Austin, making them very similar.
- Tucson and Austin are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Tucson is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tucson’s crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 54.43 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Tucson is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 45.57 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Tucson is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Tucson move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tucson. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tucson
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Old Pueblo, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tucson.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
Once you’re settled into your new home in Arizona, it’s time to get out and discover what Tucson has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tucson, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)FC Tucson (USL)Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Tucson?
The best time to move from Austin to Tucson is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Tucson?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Austin to Tucson, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Austin to Tucson take?
Moving from Austin, TX to Tucson, covers 898 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Austin movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tucson.
Which movers in Austin give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Austin?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 19 movers in Austin advertise piano moving expertise. 14 movers in Austin provide antique moving services. State totals show 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
Popular Texas routes
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