Key factors that influence moving costs from Huntsville to Tempetoggle

The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Huntsville to Tempe might cost just $1,556 for a one-bedroom, but up to $11,326 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Huntsville, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,179 and $2,864, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Huntsville to Tempe

Moving from Huntsville to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Huntsville, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Huntsville Tempe
Average rent cost $1,409 $1,834
Average home value $266,736 $471,494
Average income (per capita) $60,959 $64,080
Cost of living (single person) $3,133 $5,433
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,140 $6,810
Unemployment rate 3.1% 5.4%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.1%
State income tax 5.0% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tempe are 30% higher than in Huntsville, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Tempe are 76.8% higher than in Huntsville.
  • Income in Tempe is 5.1% higher than in Huntsville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tempe include Amkor Technology, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, and America West Holdings.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 73.4% higher than in Huntsville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 64.5% higher than in Huntsville.
  • The unemployment rate in Tempe is 74.19% higher than in Huntsville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tempe are 10.00% lower than in Huntsville.
  • One perk of moving to Tempe is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Huntsville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,202.36 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Huntsville.

How life is different in Huntsville vs. Tempe

Tempe Huntsville
Population 180,587 241,114
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 54 24
Bike friendliness score 75 40
Crime Index 42.36 42.55
Safety Index 57.64 57.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tempe might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 25% less than Huntsville.
  • Tempe offers better access to buses and trains than Huntsville, based on public transportation ratings. Tempe has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 2 in Huntsville. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Tempe means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Huntsville. Tempe is considered more walkable than Huntsville, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 24 out of 100 in Huntsville. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Huntsville in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, while Huntsville is rated as 40 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tempe as Huntsville. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tempe is generally as safe as Huntsville, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Tempe and Huntsville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Huntsville vs. Tempe move

  • Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 forwarded to Tempe. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in Arizona, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Tempe has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Tempe features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery, and Petersen House Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Tempe?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Huntsville to Tempe. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Huntsville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Tempe?

Because spring and fall moves from Huntsville to Tempe are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Huntsville to Tempe take?

Covering 1,630 miles, the move from Huntsville, AL to Tempe, AZ typically takes four to 15 days. Some Huntsville movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTempe can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources