($1,139+) Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

Moving from Detroit, MI, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,163 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,279 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,979 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 $2,591, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,279 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,610 - $5,716, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,163 - $3,540.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,678 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

Moving options from Detroit to Tempe 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 $3,678 - $8,173 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,979 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,979-mile route from Detroit to Tempe, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,591 - $6,057 $1,610 - $3,181 $1,163 - $2,337 $1,463 - $2,891
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,678 - $8,173 $2,189 - $4,591 $1,350 - $2,835 $1,666 - $3,637
4+ bedrooms $7,080 - $12,279 $2,881 - $5,716 $1,605 - $3,540 $2,234 - $4,667

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,979-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $2,591 - $12,279. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $301 - $2,008 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Detroit and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Detroit movers tend to run around $248 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,591 - $6,057
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,678 - $8,173
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,080 - $12,279

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 Detroit to Tempe.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$502 - $5,020
Storage in transitNew place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$201 - $1,205/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$301 - $2,410
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers$1,004 - $3,012
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,510 - $10,040
Car shippingSecond vehicle$752 - $1,429
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC$1,004 - $2,510
PianoAny piano type59% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.$803 - $3,514
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers$301 - $1,506
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: White Star Movers, Inc.$653 - $2,008
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$301 - $15,060+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$301 - $3,514+

What are the best full-service movers from Detroit to Tempe?

Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,610 and $5,716. 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 Detroit runs about $85/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,610 - $3,181
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,189 - $4,591
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,881 - $5,716

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Detroit, 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 $703 in Detroit, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 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 $1,610. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,189 - $4,591, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Detroit to Tempe?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit:

  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
  • O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
  • Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 42 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,979 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, running $1,163 - $3,540. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $632 - $723
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Detroit daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Detroit to Tempe based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,337
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,835
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,540

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,163 - $3,540 does not include fuel ($632 - $723) , lodging ($151/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Detroit to Tempe typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $632 - $723 for the 1,979-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 Detroit, Michigan, for about 5 hours typically costs around $703.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,979-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $151 per night, adding $301 - $452 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $50 and $301.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit to Tempe?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Detroit, MI to Tempe, AZ

For larger DIY moves from Detroit, Michigan, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,666 and $3,637.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $2,891
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,666 - $3,637
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,234 - $4,667

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?

  • 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 $75 - $151 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for about five hours typically runs $703.

What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Tempe?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

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: Detroit, MI 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 Detroit on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Detroit, MI Tempe, AZ
Cost of living index92113
Average rent$1,250/mo$1,834/mo
Median home value$79,675$421,086
Average income$39,575/yr$77,643/yr
Unemployment rate9.06%5.4%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 2.5%
Walkability score51/10054/100
Safety index27.08/10057.64/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Detroit, MI guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan 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. Michigan alone has 84 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,979-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from Detroit, MI, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,591 for a studio to $12,279 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,979-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,610 - $5,716. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,163 - $3,540, 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 $3,678 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 Detroit, MI, to Tempe, AZ

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 Detroit, 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 $1,350 - $2,835. 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 27.08 and 72.92 in Detroit. 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 is the best time of year to move from Detroit, MI 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 percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 59% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.