($649+) Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX, runs anywhere from $649 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,775 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 975 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 $2,105, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,775 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,211 - $3,915, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $649 - $1,870.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,574 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 Antonio, TX
Moving options from Tempe to San Antonio 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 $2,574 - $6,319 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 74% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 975 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 975-mile route from Tempe to San Antonio, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,105 - $4,986, container $1,211 - $2,100, rental truck $649 - $1,194, freight trailer $1,069 - $1,986.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,574 - $6,319, container $1,514 - $3,096, rental truck $674 - $1,523, freight trailer $1,151 - $2,335.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,032 - $7,775, container $2,100 - $3,915, rental truck $880 - $1,870, freight trailer $1,648 - $2,976.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 975-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, with prices running from $2,105 - $7,775. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $313 - $2,084 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Tempe and San Antonio are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Tempe movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,105 - $4,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,574 - $6,319
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,032 - $7,775
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 Antonio.
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 Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Antonio, 72% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| 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 | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to San Antonio?
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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Tempe, AZ. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,211 and $3,915. 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 Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,100
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,514 - $3,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $3,915
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $729 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your San Antonio, TX, destination before booking.
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 $1,211. 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 $1,514 - $3,096.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to San Antonio?
- 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 Antonio, TX
A rental truck for this 975-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, costs between $649 and $1,870. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $323 - $369
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Antonio based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $649 - $1,194
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $674 - $1,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $880 - $1,870
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $649 - $1,870 when pricing out a rental truck from Tempe to San Antonio. Fuel alone runs $323 - $369, and overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 $78 and $365.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $156.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $323 and $369 for the 975-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 $729 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 Antonio?
- 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 Antonio, TX
For larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, 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 San Antonio, Texas.
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 $1,151 and $2,335.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,069 - $1,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,151 - $2,335
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,648 - $2,976
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $78 and $156.
- 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 $729.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to San Antonio?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs San Antonio, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Antonio, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $1,496/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $216,453 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $62,917/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | None |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 51.94/100 |
| 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 Antonio, TX to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 228 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 975-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,105 for a studio to $7,775 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 975-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,211 - $3,915. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $649 - $1,870, 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 $2,574 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 San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Antonio?
For families, Alamo Heights, Great Northwest, and Northwest Crossing are worth a look in San Antonio. If you're moving solo or without kids, Alamo Heights, Downtown, and Tobin Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is San Antonio?
San Antonio has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 45, 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.
Is San Antonio a safe place to live?
San Antonio has a safety index of 51.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.06, compared to 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, 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.
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 40% and 26% nationally.