($367+) Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $353 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,968 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 357 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,076, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,968 or more.
- Moving containers run $898 - $2,849, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $353 - $961.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,837 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
Moving options from Phoenix to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,837 - $4,796 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 357 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 357-mile route from Phoenix to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,076 - $3,866 with full-service movers, $898 - $1,642 with a container, $353 - $664 with a rental truck, or $817 - $1,492 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,837 - $4,796 full-service, $1,232 - $2,238 by container, $376 - $749 by rental truck, or $928 - $1,826 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,828 - $6,968 full-service, $1,630 - $2,849 by container, $489 - $961 by rental truck, or $1,216 - $2,325 by freight.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 357-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Irvine, California, with costs ranging from $1,076 - $6,968. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $401 - $2,676. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Phoenix and Irvine. Local movers in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $3,866
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $4,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,828 - $6,968
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 Phoenix to Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,338 - $4,014 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,345 - $13,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,002 - $1,904 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $870 - $2,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,683+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Irvine?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Irvine with a local mover averages $1,782 - $4,653. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Phoenix, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Irvine, California, cost between $898 and $2,849. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Irvine. If you go over that window, storage in Phoenix adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $898 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,630 - $2,849
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $100 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $201 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Irvine, CA, 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 $937 in Phoenix, AZ. 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 Arizona to California 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 $898. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,232 - $2,238, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix to Irvine?
- 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 357 miles from Phoenix, Arizona, to Irvine, California, running $353 - $961. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $152 - $174
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $353 - $664
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $376 - $749
- 4+ bedrooms: $489 - $961
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Phoenix to Irvine starts at $353 - $961, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($152 - $174) , overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $201 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 Phoenix, Arizona, usually costs about $937 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 357-mile drive falls between $152 and $174, 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 $67 and $401 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Irvine?
- 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 Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Phoenix, Arizona, to Irvine, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $928 and $1,826.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $928 - $1,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,325
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $937.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $100 and $201 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Irvine?
- 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine, CA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 97 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 357-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Irvine, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,076 for a studio to $6,968 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 357-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $898 - $2,849. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $353 - $961, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,837 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Irvine, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($152 - $174), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Irvine?
Irvine has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, compared to 41 and 56 in Phoenix. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix, AZ to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,076 to $6,968, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,076 and $6,968, 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 percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.