($511+) Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,135 to $8,049, with an average cost of $2,850. Moves can be as low as $511 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 750 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Oakland to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,135 - $8,049 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 77% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 750 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 750-mile route from Oakland to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,135 - $4,360 with full-service movers, $1,086 - $1,879 with a container, $553 - $970 with a rental truck, or $949 - $1,709 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,348 - $5,826 full-service, $1,394 - $2,527 by container, $545 - $1,235 by rental truck, or $1,062 - $2,085 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,688 - $8,049 full-service, $1,725 - $3,359 by container, $697 - $1,397 by rental truck, or $1,394 - $2,715 by freight.
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 Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Oakland, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $1,135 and $8,049. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 750-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $488 - $3,256, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Oakland and Tempe. For a rough baseline, movers based in Oakland tend to start around $281 plus $147/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,135 - $4,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,348 - $5,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,688 - $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 Oakland to Tempe.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $814 - $8,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $326 - $1,954/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $488 - $3,907 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,628 - $4,884 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,070 - $16,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,219 - $2,317 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,628 - $4,070 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,302 - $5,698 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $488 - $2,442 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,058 - $3,256 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $488 - $24,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $488 - $5,698+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Oakland, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,086 and $3,359. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Oakland typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,086 - $1,879
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,394 - $2,527
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,359
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Oakland, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,140, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $122 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $244 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Oakland, CA, and Tempe, AZ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,086. 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 $1,394 - $2,527.
What are the best moving containers Oakland to Tempe?
- 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
Plan on $553 - $1,397 for a rental moving truck on the 750-mile route from Oakland, California, to Tempe, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $389 - $444
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $33
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $553 - $970
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $545 - $1,235
- 4+ bedrooms: $697 - $1,397
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $553 - $1,397 when pricing out a rental truck from Oakland to Tempe. Fuel alone runs $389 - $444, and overnight lodging ($244/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Oakland, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,140.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $389 - $444 for the 750-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $98 and $529, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $244 per night for hotel stops on the 750-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $488 - $733.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland to Tempe?
- 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 Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, 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 Tempe, Arizona.
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 $1,062 and $2,085.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $949 - $1,709
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,062 - $2,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,394 - $2,715
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $122 - $244 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Oakland, California, typically costs $1,140.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Tempe?
- 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: Oakland, CA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Tempe, AZ to Oakland, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, 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. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 750-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Oakland, CA, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,135 for a studio to $8,049 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 750-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,086 - $3,359. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $553 - $1,397, 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 $2,348 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Tempe, AZ
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.
Is Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, compared to 31.38 and 68.62 in Oakland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $545 - $1,235. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Oakland, CA to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.