($877+) Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $941 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,253 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,449 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,627, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,253 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,468 - $4,667, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $941 - $2,645.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,420 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma 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 $3,420 - $7,903. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,449 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,449-mile route from Tacoma to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,627 - $5,837 | $1,468 - $2,771 | $941 - $1,750 | $1,257 - $2,328 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,420 - $7,903 | $1,839 - $3,502 | $968 - $2,061 | $1,486 - $2,978 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,307 - $11,253 | $2,550 - $4,667 | $1,283 - $2,645 | $2,000 - $3,851 |
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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $2,627 and $11,253. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,449-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $357 - $2,380, 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 Tacoma and Tempe. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tacoma tend to start around $316 plus $133/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 Tacoma to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,627 - $5,837
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,420 - $7,903
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,307 - $11,253
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 Tacoma to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Arizona. 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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma 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 packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $595 - $5,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $238 - $1,428/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $357 - $2,856 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers | $1,190 - $3,570 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,975 - $11,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $891 - $1,693 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,190 - $2,975 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $952 - $4,165 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $357 - $1,785 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $774 - $2,380 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $357 - $17,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $357 - $4,165+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tacoma, WA. 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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,468 and $4,667. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,468 - $2,771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,839 - $3,502
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,550 - $4,667
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $89 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $179 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tempe, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $833 in Tacoma, WA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington 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 $1,468. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,839 - $3,502, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 1,449-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $941 and $2,645, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $549 - $627
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $941 - $1,750
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $968 - $2,061
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,645
Pro tip: The base rate of $941 - $2,645 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Tempe. Fuel ($549 - $627) , lodging at around $179/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $179 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 Tacoma, Washington, usually costs about $833 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,449-mile drive falls between $549 and $627, 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 $60 and $357 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, 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 $1,071 and $2,978.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,257 - $2,328
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,486 - $2,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,000 - $3,851
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $89 - $179 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $833.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tacoma to Tempe. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Tempe, AZ
Tacoma and Tempe land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 123 in Tacoma and 113 in Tempe, and rent tracks closely too ($1,650/mo vs. $1,834/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (54 vs 54) and safety scores (44.45 vs 57.64) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Arizona in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 95 movers based in Washington, handy for sizing up options on this 1,449-mile route.
Our take
A move from Tacoma, WA, 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 $2,627 - $11,253 on the 1,449-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,468 - $4,667, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $941 - $2,645. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,420 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 Tacoma, WA, to Tempe, AZ
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $2,627 to $11,253, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,627 and $11,253, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA 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 do local movers charge in Tacoma?
Local movers based in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ 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 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 Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.