Factors influencing moving costs from Tempe to Fresnotoggle

The cost of Tempe movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tempe to Fresno can be as low as $1,408 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,114.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tempe, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $569 to $1,384. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tempe to Fresno

Moving from Tempe to Fresno means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tempe than in Fresno, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tempe compares to Fresno so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tempe Fresno
Average rent cost $1,834 $1,650
Average home value $471,494 $381,180
Average income (per capita) $64,080 $63,001
Cost of living (single person) $5,433 $2,277
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,810 $5,358
Unemployment rate 5.4% 7.09%
Sales tax 8.1% 7.98%
State income tax 2.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Fresno are 10% lower than in Tempe, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fresno.
    Home prices in Fresno are 19.2% lower than in Tempe.
  • Income in Fresno is 1.7% lower than in Tempe, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fresno include Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 58.1% lower than in Tempe. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fresno is 21.3% lower than in Tempe.
  • The unemployment rate in Fresno is 31.30% higher than in Tempe.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fresno are 1.48% lower than in Tempe.
  • State income taxes in Fresno are 432.00% higher than in Tempe.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,257.32 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tempe.

How life is different in Tempe vs. Fresno

Fresno Tempe
Population 542,107 180,587
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 47 54
Bike friendliness score 58 75
Crime Index 56.85 42.36
Safety Index 43.15 57.64
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Fresno's population is about 200% greater than Tempe.
  • Fresno's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tempe's higher score of 8.
  • Fresno is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
  • Fresno has a bike-friendliness score 58 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75 out of 100.
  • Fresno's crime rate is higher than Tempe with a score of 56.85 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
  • Fresno is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 43.15 vs Tempe's 57.64.
  • Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Tempe it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tempe vs. Fresno move

  • Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 Fresno. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Fresno

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fresno.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Tower District
  • Mural District
  • Mclane
  • Central Fresno

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Woodrow Park
  • Fig Garden
  • Mclane
  • Sunnyside

Things to do in Fresno

After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโ€™s time to see what Fresno is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fresno include museums and art centers like the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Tempe to Fresno is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tempe.

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

Because most people are moving from Tempe to Fresno in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Tempe to Fresno take?

The 598-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Fresno, CA, takes one to six days. Some Tempe movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fresno.

Helpful moving resources