($532+) Tempe, AZ to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $532 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,049 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 761 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,658, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,049 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,086 - $3,359, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $532 - $1,469.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,348 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Tempe to San Francisco 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 $2,348 - $5,322 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 761 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 761-mile route from Tempe to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,658 - $4,274 | $1,086 - $1,803 | $532 - $960 | $940 - $1,726 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,348 - $5,322 | $1,354 - $2,554 | $545 - $1,188 | $1,094 - $2,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,727 - $8,049 | $1,743 - $3,359 | $704 - $1,469 | $1,452 - $2,633 |
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 San Francisco, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 761-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, with costs ranging from $1,658 - $8,049. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $497 - $3,316. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tempe and San Francisco. Local movers in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,658 - $4,274
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,348 - $5,322
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,727 - $8,049
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 San Francisco.
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 San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Francisco, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $829 - $8,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $332 - $1,990/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $497 - $3,979 |
| 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 | $1,658 - $4,974 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,145 - $16,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,242 - $2,359 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,658 - $4,145 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $1,326 - $5,803 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $497 - $2,487 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $1,078 - $3,316 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $497 - $24,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $497 - $5,803+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to San Francisco?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,086 and $3,359. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,086 - $1,803
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,354 - $2,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,359
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and San Francisco, 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 $1,161 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $124 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $249 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 $1,086. 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 $1,354 - $2,554.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 761 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, running $532 - $1,469. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $401 - $459
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- 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 San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $532 - $960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $545 - $1,188
- 4+ bedrooms: $704 - $1,469
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tempe to San Francisco looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $532 - $1,469. But once you factor in fuel ($401 - $459), overnight lodging ($249/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $124 and $580.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $249.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $401 and $459 for the 761-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 $1,161 for 2 movers in Tempe, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
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 San Francisco, California.
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 $1,094 and $2,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $940 - $1,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,094 - $2,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,452 - $2,633
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?
- 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 $124 and $249.
- 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 Tempe, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $1,161.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to San Francisco?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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 San Francisco 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: Tempe, AZ vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 38.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 242 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 761-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, to San Francisco, CA, 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 $1,658 - $8,049 on the 761-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,086 - $3,359 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $532 - $1,469 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,348 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 Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to San Francisco, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($401 - $459), daily insurance ($50/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $249/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is San Francisco?
San Francisco has a walkability score of 99 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 99, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to San Francisco, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $532 to $8,049, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,658 and $8,049, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ to San Francisco, CA?
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.
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.