Houston, TX to Scottsdale, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Scottsdale typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,177 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Scottsdale
Moving from Houston, TX to Scottsdale, AZ typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,177-mile move from Houston to Scottsdale, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $8,605 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $993 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- PODS recently quoted $1,859 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Scottsdale move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,900 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Houston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Scottsdale movers by type
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Best professional movers from Houston to Scottsdale
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Houston to Scottsdale much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best TX→AZ movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 291 Texas movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Houston to Scottsdale
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Scottsdale runs about 108% higher for singles and -36% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $5,753 in Scottsdale versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $4,570 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Planning a move to Scottsdale? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 113% higher than in Houston, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Scottsdale are about 213% higher than those in Houston.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in Scottsdale compared to Houston.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Scottsdale, as living costs for a single person are 108% higher than in Houston. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to Scottsdale can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 36% less than what it costs in Houston.
- Scottsdale shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Houston by around 15%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Scottsdale and Houston (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Arizona has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Houston and Scottsdale:
| Living Expense | Houston | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $34.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Scottsdale, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Scottsdale.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Scottsdale.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Scottsdale.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Scottsdale.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Scottsdale.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Houston vs. Scottsdale
| Houston | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 241,361 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 56 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 25.8 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 74.2 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Scottsdale's population is about 90% less than Houston.
- Scottsdale's public transportation score is within about 5% of Houston, making them very similar.
- Scottsdale is less walkable than Houston with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Scottsdale's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 25.8 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 74.2 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Scottsdale is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Scottsdale move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Scottsdale. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Planning your move to The West's Most Western Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
After settling into your new Arizona home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Scottsdale has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, and Wonderspaces Arizona.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Scottsdale?
Planning your move from Houston to Scottsdale? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Scottsdale?
Because most people are moving from Houston to Scottsdale in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Houston to Scottsdale take?
The 1,177-mile journey from Houston, TX to Scottsdale, AZ, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Houston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Scottsdale.
Are there special savings available from movers in Houston?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Houston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Houston, 27 movers can manage piano relocations. 15 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.