($982+) Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $982 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,699 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,783 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,367, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,699 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,524 - $5,311, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $982 - $2,983.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,165 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 Lexington, KY
Moving options from Tempe to Lexington 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 $3,165 - $7,148 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 65% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,783 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,783-mile route from Tempe to Lexington, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,367 for a studio up to $9,699 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,524 - $5,311 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $982 - $2,983, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,332 - $4,122, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,783-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, with costs ranging from $2,367 - $9,699. 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 Lexington. 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 Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,367 - $4,938
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,165 - $7,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,029 - $9,699
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 Lexington.
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 Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lexington, 67% 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: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $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 Lexington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tempe, AZ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $1,524 and $5,311. 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 Lexington. 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 Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $2,796
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,971 - $3,874
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,561 - $5,311
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and Lexington, KY. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $729 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $156 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to Kentucky 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 $1,524. 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 $1,971 - $3,874.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to Lexington?
- 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 Lexington, KY
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,783 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, running $982 - $2,983. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $591 - $676
- 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 Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $982 - $2,028
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,107 - $2,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,480 - $2,983
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $982 - $2,983 when pricing out a rental truck from Tempe to Lexington. Fuel alone runs $591 - $676, 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 $591 and $676 for the 1,783-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 Lexington?
- 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 Lexington, KY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, 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 $1,515 and $3,225.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,332 - $2,491
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,515 - $3,225
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,070 - $4,122
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $156 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tempe, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $729.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Lexington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Lexington, KY
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lexington, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $1,345/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $272,002 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $67,631/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 4.0% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 90/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 49.12/100 |
| 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 Lexington, KY to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to Kentucky, 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 242 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,783-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,367 - $9,699 on the 1,783-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,524 - $5,311 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $982 - $2,983 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,165 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY
What is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY?
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 $1,107 - $2,343. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Lexington a safe place to live?
Lexington has a safety index of 49.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.88, 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 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 is the best time of year to move from Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
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 41% and 26% nationally.