($653+) Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX, runs anywhere from $660 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,229 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,227, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,229 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,160 - $4,061, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $660 - $1,903.
- 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 $2,540 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,540 - $6,620 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 975 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,227 - $5,123 with full-service movers, $1,160 - $2,244 with a container, $660 - $1,355 with a rental truck, or $1,130 - $2,000 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,540 - $6,620 full-service, $1,633 - $2,965 by container, $728 - $1,534 by rental truck, or $1,243 - $2,372 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,483 - $8,229 full-service, $2,179 - $4,061 by container, $959 - $1,903 by rental truck, or $1,593 - $3,086 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 975-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,227 - $8,229. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $313 - $2,084. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tempe and San Antonio. 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 Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,227 - $5,123
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,540 - $6,620
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,483 - $8,229
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Antonio, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% 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 coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tempe, AZ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,160 and $4,061. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to San Antonio. If you go over that window, storage in Tempe adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $2,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,633 - $2,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,061
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 $1,160. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,633 - $2,965, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX
Plan on $660 - $1,903 for a rental moving truck on the 975-mile route from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $660 - $1,355
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $728 - $1,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $959 - $1,903
Pro tip: The base rate of $660 - $1,903 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to San Antonio. Fuel ($323 - $369) , lodging at around $156/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $729 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 975-mile drive falls between $323 and $369, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $313 to your total.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tempe, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,243 and $2,372.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $2,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $3,086
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $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 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 97 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 975-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Tempe, AZ, to San Antonio, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,227 - $8,229 on the 975-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,160 - $4,061, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $660 - $1,903. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,540 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $2,227 to $8,229, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,227 and $8,229, 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 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 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 San Antonio run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to San Antonio, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
