$1,290 Movers From California to Arizona

The cost to move from California to Arizona averages from $652 to $6,662 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Arizona to California guide.

Moving from California to Arizona resources

Moving 736 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Arizona movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Arizona is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Arizona.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to Arizona?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Arizona for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,290 - $4,407 $856 - $2,032 $579 - $1,100
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,623 - $6,662 $1,541 - $2,931 $652 - $1,428
4+ bedrooms $4,761 - $8,804 $2,003 - $3,893 $832 - $1,599
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 736 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Arizona will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Arizona?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Arizona will cost between $1,290 to $4,407. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to AZ will range from $2,623 to $6,662, and a large move from California to Arizona will cost from $4,761 to $8,804.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Arizona?

Moving containers from California to Arizona will cost you $856 to $2,032 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,541 to $2,931. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,003 to $3,893. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to Arizona?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $579 to $1,100. A larger move will cost $652 to $1,428, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Arizona costs from $832 to $1,599.

Is moving from California to Arizona a good idea?

If you’re moving to Arizona from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs Arizona

California Arizona
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,097
Average home cost $746,055 $422,243
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 8.4%
State Income Tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 31% less expensive in Arizona than in California.
  • Home prices are about 43.4% lower in Arizona than in California.
  • The average income is about 21.0% lower in Arizona than in California.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Arizona and California.
  • Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 12.5%.
  • Sales taxes are 3.23% lower in Arizona than in California.
  • Income taxes are 81.20% lower in Arizona than in California.

How is life different in Arizona from California?

Arizona California
Population 7,359,197 39,029,342
Political leaning Democrat 49-49 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 99ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 34ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 11" 22"
Annual Snow 6" 7"
Crime Index 29.36 27.88
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 81% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 11 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Arizona has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 29.36 vs 27.88.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Arizona:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Arizona side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Arizona
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Pleasant weather
Abundant recreational options Abundant recreational opportunities
High quality of life Cultural diversity
Fresh and healthy foods No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Arizona:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Arizona.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Arizona
High cost of living Extreme weather
Heavy tax burdens Barren desert land
Natural disasters Health hazards
Terrible traffic Problematic people and politics
Strange laws No winter

Considerations for moving to Arizona

  • Weather: Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Maison Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA, 92780
(800) 832-5950
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828
(916) 596-9374

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Arizona

While you’re in Arizona, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Grand Canyon
  • Sedona
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Hoover Dam
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Havasu Falls
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Tumacácori National Historical Park
  • London Bridge
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Heard Museum

FAQs about moving from California to Arizona

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Arizona?

The cheapest way to move from California to Arizona is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Arizona?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Arizona