($1,279+) Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,279 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,614 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,295 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,379, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,614 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,609 - $5,844, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,279 - $3,461.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,579 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 Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Washington DC to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,579 - $7,001 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 63% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,295 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 18 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,295-mile route from Washington DC to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,379 - $5,372 with full-service movers, $1,609 - $3,169 with a container, $1,279 - $2,372 with a rental truck, or $1,524 - $2,823 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,579 - $7,001 full-service, $2,280 - $4,766 by container, $1,342 - $2,852 by rental truck, or $1,736 - $3,595 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,269 - $11,614 full-service, $3,012 - $5,844 by container, $1,765 - $3,461 by rental truck, or $2,434 - $4,674 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 Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $2,379 and $11,614. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,295-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $407 - $2,716, 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 Washington DC and Tempe. For a rough baseline, movers based in Washington DC tend to start around $180 plus $85/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 Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,379 - $5,372
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,579 - $7,001
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,269 - $11,614
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 Washington DC to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC 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 packing80% of local movers | $679 - $6,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $272 - $1,630/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $407 - $3,259 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,358 - $4,074 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,395 - $13,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,017 - $1,932 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,358 - $3,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,086 - $4,753 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $407 - $2,037 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $883 - $2,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $407 - $20,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $407 - $4,753+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Tempe?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,609 and $5,844. 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 Tempe. If you go over that window, storage in Washington DC adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,609 - $3,169
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,280 - $4,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,012 - $5,844
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 Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $951, 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 $102 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $204 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, 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 Maryland 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 $1,609. 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 $2,280 - $4,766.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 2,295-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $1,279 and $3,461. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $992 - $1,133
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- 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 Washington DC to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,279 - $2,372
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,342 - $2,852
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,765 - $3,461
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,279 - $3,461 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Tempe. Fuel alone runs $992 - $1,133, and overnight lodging ($204/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $992 - $1,133 for the 2,295-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 Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours typically costs around $951.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,295-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $204 per night, adding $407 - $611 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $68 and $407.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, 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 $1,736 and $3,595.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $2,823
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,736 - $3,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,434 - $4,674
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $951.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $102 - $204 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland 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 220 movers in our Maryland network to compare for this 2,295-mile move.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,379 - $11,614 on the 2,295-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,609 - $5,844, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,279 - $3,461. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,579 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. 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 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.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.