($1,152+) Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,152 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,718 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,958 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 $2,557, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,718 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,508 - $5,571, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,152 - $2,987.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,447 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Ann Arbor to Tempe: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,447 - $7,373. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,958 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,958-mile route from Ann Arbor to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,557 - $5,592 | $1,508 - $2,861 | $1,152 - $2,092 | $1,441 - $2,654 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,447 - $7,373 | $1,911 - $4,091 | $1,224 - $2,593 | $1,657 - $3,471 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,555 - $10,718 | $2,726 - $5,571 | $1,482 - $2,987 | $2,115 - $4,278 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $2,557 and $10,718. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,958-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $326 - $2,176, 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 Ann Arbor and Tempe. For a rough baseline, movers based in Ann Arbor tend to start around $304 plus $100/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 Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,557 - $5,592
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,447 - $7,373
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,555 - $10,718
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 Ann Arbor to Tempe.
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Ann Arbor 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 | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Tempe?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,508 and $5,571. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Ann Arbor runs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $2,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,911 - $4,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,726 - $5,571
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Ann Arbor, MI and Tempe, AZ. 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 $762 in Ann Arbor, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $82 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $163 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 Michigan 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 $1,508. 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 $1,911 - $4,091.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Plan on $1,152 - $2,987 for a rental moving truck on the 1,958-mile route from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $678 - $775
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Ann Arbor to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,092
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $2,593
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,987
Pro tip: A rental truck from Ann Arbor to Tempe looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,152 - $2,987. But once you factor in fuel ($678 - $775), overnight lodging ($163/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $82 and $381.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $163.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $678 and $775 for the 1,958-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 $762 for 2 movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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 $979 and $3,471.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $2,654
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,657 - $3,471
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,115 - $4,278
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?
- 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 $82 - $163 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for about five hours typically runs $762.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Tempe?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tempe 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: Ann Arbor, MI vs Tempe, AZ
Ann Arbor and Tempe land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Ann Arbor and 113 in Tempe, and average rent is $2,260/mo vs. $1,834/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 52 vs 54 and safety scores are 79.18 vs 57.64.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 173 movers licensed in Michigan, useful context for sizing up this 1,958-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ, 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 $2,557 - $10,718 on the 1,958-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,508 - $5,571 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,152 - $2,987 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,447 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 Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ
How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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 is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ?
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 $1,224 - $2,593. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 79.18 and 31.0 in Ann Arbor. 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 percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.