Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Tempe typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,436 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to Tempe
Moving from Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,436-mile move from Seattle to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,665 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,225 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $8,146 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Mar 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 25, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Seattle to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$2,900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Tempe movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Seattle to Tempe
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Seattle to Tempe, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→AZ movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 94 Washington moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 45% higher for singles and -31% higher for families than Seattle.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $3,740 in Seattle; families pay $6,810 compared with $9,801.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Seattle | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- If you're heading to Tempe from Seattle, you'll find that rent is roughly 7% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 44% less in Tempe than in Seattle.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 18% lower in Tempe compared to Seattle.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 45% higher than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Tempe can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 31% less than in Seattle.
- In Tempe, the unemployment rate is approximately 13% higher than in Seattle, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 22% in Tempe compared to Seattle, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Arizona has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Seattle and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Seattle than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Seattle than in Tempe.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Tempe.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Tempe.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Tempe
| Seattle | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 75 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 75% less than Seattle.
- Tempe's public transportation score is within about 5% of Seattle, making them very similar.
- Tempe is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 42.36 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 57.64 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that you've decided to make the move to Tempe, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
Once you're settled into your new home in Arizona, it's time to get out and discover what Tempe has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tempe, such as the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Tempe?
The best time to move from Seattle to Tempe is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Tempe?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Seattle to Tempe, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Seattle to Tempe take?
Moving from Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ covers 1,436 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Seattle movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tempe.
Which movers in Seattle give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 3 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Seattle?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 47 movers in Seattle advertise piano moving expertise. 35 movers in Seattle provide antique moving services. State totals show 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
