($1,091+) Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,091 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,207 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,865 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 $2,277, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,207 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,558 - $5,553, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,091 - $2,971.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,458 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 Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Columbus to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,458 - $7,316 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 43% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 65% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,865 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 1,865-mile route from Columbus to Tempe, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,277 - $5,064 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,558 - $2,976), rental truck ($1,091 - $2,020), or freight trailer ($1,375 - $2,627). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,458 - $7,316 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,207.
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 Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
For the 1,865-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Tempe, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $2,277 and $10,207. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $299 - $1,996 (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 Columbus generally start around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,277 - $5,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,458 - $7,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,445 - $10,207
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 Columbus to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus 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 packing78% of local movers | $499 - $4,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $200 - $1,198/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,395 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $998 - $2,994 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,495 - $9,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $748 - $1,420 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $998 - $2,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $798 - $3,493 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $299 - $1,497 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $649 - $1,996 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,493+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Tempe?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Columbus, OH. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,558 and $5,553. 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 Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,558 - $2,976
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,975 - $4,087
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,754 - $5,553
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $150 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $699 in Columbus, OH, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tempe, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $1,558. 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 $1,975 - $4,087.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 1,865-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $1,091 and $2,971, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $592 - $677
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,091 - $2,020
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,204 - $2,452
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,505 - $2,971
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Tempe looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,091 - $2,971. But once you factor in fuel ($592 - $677), overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Columbus, Ohio, usually costs about $699 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,865-mile drive falls between $592 and $677, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $50 and $299 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Tempe, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $898 and $3,174.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,627
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,627 - $3,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,032 - $4,184
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $699.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $150 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus 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: If speed matters on your move from Columbus to Tempe, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,441/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $233,368 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $65,327/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 50.35/100 | 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 Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio 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. Ohio alone has 282 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,865-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Columbus, OH, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,277 for a studio to $10,207 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,865-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,558 - $5,553. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,091 - $2,971, 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 $3,458 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 Columbus, OH, to Tempe, AZ
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
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 walkable is Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 50.35 and 49.65 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH 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.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.