($836+) Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $836 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,717 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,404, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,717 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,291 - $4,772, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $836 - $2,495.
- 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 $3,387 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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Tacoma to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,387 - $7,159 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 51% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,449-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
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 | $2,404 - $5,393 | $1,291 - $2,365 | $836 - $1,601 | $1,246 - $2,308 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,387 - $7,159 | $1,649 - $3,477 | $951 - $2,003 | $1,333 - $2,809 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,722 - $10,717 | $2,311 - $4,772 | $1,116 - $2,495 | $1,942 - $3,633 |
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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $2,404 and $10,717. 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: $2,404 - $5,393
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,387 - $7,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,722 - $10,717
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.
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 Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma 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 packing68% of local movers | $595 - $5,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $238 - $1,428/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $357 - $2,856 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% 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 items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,190 - $2,975 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $952 - $4,165 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $357 - $1,785 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% 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?
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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tacoma, WA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,291 and $4,772. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tacoma typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,291 - $2,365
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,649 - $3,477
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,311 - $4,772
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $89 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 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 $833 in Tacoma, WA, 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 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 $1,291. 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 $1,649 - $3,477.
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
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Tempe, AZ
Plan on $836 - $2,495 for a rental moving truck on the 1,449-mile route from Tacoma, Washington, to Tempe, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $836 - $1,601
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $951 - $2,003
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,116 - $2,495
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $836 - $2,495 does not include fuel ($549 - $627), lodging ($179/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Tacoma to Tempe typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $179 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $77 and $387 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $549 - $627 in fuel for the 1,449-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $833 in Tacoma, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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 $2,809.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,246 - $2,308
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,333 - $2,809
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,942 - $3,633
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $89 - $179 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about five hours typically runs $833.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma 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: 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 average rent is $1,650/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 54 vs 54 and safety scores are 44.45 vs 57.64.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington 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 279 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 1,449-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tacoma, WA, 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 $2,404 - $10,717 on the 1,449-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,291 - $4,772 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $836 - $2,495 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,387 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 Tacoma, WA, to Tempe, AZ
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($549 - $627), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA 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 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.
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 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.