($1,107+) Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $1,107 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,499 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,314, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,499 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,647 - $5,799, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,107 - $3,162.
- 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 $3,456 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,456 - $7,505 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 1,783 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,314 - $5,236 with full-service movers, $1,647 - $3,113 with a container, $1,107 - $2,193 with a rental truck, or $1,342 - $2,695 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,456 - $7,505 full-service, $1,947 - $4,315 by container, $1,197 - $2,609 by rental truck, or $1,671 - $3,353 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,900 - $10,499 full-service, $2,716 - $5,799 by container, $1,494 - $3,162 by rental truck, or $2,217 - $4,638 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 Lexington, KY
For the 1,783-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, full-service movers cost between $2,314 and $10,499. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,084 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,314 - $5,236
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,456 - $7,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,900 - $10,499
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Kentucky. 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 Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lexington, 100% 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 Lexington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Tempe, AZ, 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 Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $1,647 and $5,799. 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 Tempe typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,647 - $3,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,947 - $4,315
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,716 - $5,799
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 Lexington, KY, destination before booking.
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 $1,647. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,947 - $4,315, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Lexington, KY
A rental truck for this 1,783-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Lexington, Kentucky, costs between $1,107 and $3,162. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $1,107 - $2,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,197 - $2,609
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,494 - $3,162
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tempe to Lexington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,107 - $3,162. But once you factor in fuel ($591 - $676) , overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $591 - $676 for the 1,783-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 Tempe, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $729.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,783-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $156 per night, adding $313 - $469 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Lexington, Kentucky.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,671 and $3,353.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,695
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,217 - $4,638
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?
- 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 Tempe, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $729.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Lexington?
- 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Lexington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,783-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,783-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Lexington, KY, run $2,314 - $10,499 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,647 - $5,799, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,107 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,456, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to Lexington, KY 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 Lexington?
For families, Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Fairway-Liberty Heights, and Georgetown are worth a look in Lexington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, Downtown Lexington, and Fairway-Liberty Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
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 $1,197 - $2,609. 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 3 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 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.
