($508+) San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ ranges from $1,204 to $7,982, with an average cost of $2,750. Moves can be as low as $508 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 720 miles and usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving options from San Jose to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,204 - $7,982 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 720 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 720-mile route from San Jose to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,204 - $4,348 | $1,024 - $1,802 | $524 - $973 | $950 - $1,622 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,125 - $5,592 | $1,394 - $2,732 | $542 - $1,133 | $1,020 - $2,185 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,694 - $7,982 | $1,849 - $3,447 | $658 - $1,441 | $1,380 - $2,811 |
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 San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 720-mile move from San Jose, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, with costs ranging from $1,204 - $7,982. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $551 - $3,676. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Jose and Scottsdale. Local movers in San Jose typically start around $316 as a base rate plus $119/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,204 - $4,348
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,125 - $5,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,694 - $7,982
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 San Jose to Scottsdale.
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 San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of San Jose movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Scottsdale, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $919 - $9,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Southwest Moving | $368 - $2,206/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $551 - $4,411 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,838 - $5,514 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,595 - $18,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,377 - $2,615 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Southwest Moving | $1,838 - $4,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Vector Moving and Storage | $1,470 - $6,433 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $551 - $2,757 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage | $1,195 - $3,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $551 - $27,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $551 - $6,433+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Scottsdale?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Jose, CA. 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 San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $1,024 and $3,447. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Jose typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,024 - $1,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,394 - $2,732
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,849 - $3,447
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 $1,287 in San Jose, CA. 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 $138 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $276 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 Scottsdale, AZ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona 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 $1,024. 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 $1,394 - $2,732.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to Scottsdale?
- 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 San Jose 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 San Jose:
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (4.6/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 720-mile move from San Jose, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, costs between $524 and $1,441, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $421 - $481
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 San Jose to Scottsdale based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $524 - $973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $542 - $1,133
- 4+ bedrooms: $658 - $1,441
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Jose to Scottsdale starts at $524 - $1,441, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($421 - $481), overnight lodging ($276/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $421 - $481 for the 720-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,287.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 720-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $276 per night, adding $551 - $827 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $92 and $551.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to Scottsdale?
- 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 San Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Jose, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,020 and $2,185.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $950 - $1,622
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,020 - $2,185
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,380 - $2,811
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Jose, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,287.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $138 and $276 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Scottsdale?
- 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: San Jose, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Scottsdale, side by side with San Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Scottsdale, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $3,300/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $709,486 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $107,372/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 32/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 74.2/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 720-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Jose, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,204 for a studio to $7,982 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 720-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,024 - $3,447. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $524 - $1,441, 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 $2,125 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 Scottsdale tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and beautiful nature, though tourists and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Honor Health and CVS Health.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ
How walkable is Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has a walkability score of 32 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 56, compared to 51 and 62 in San Jose. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale?
For families, McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch, and Grayhawk are worth a look in Scottsdale. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch, and Kierland tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
What do local movers charge in San Jose?
Local movers based in San Jose typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $119/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 Scottsdale run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of San Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.