($379+) Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Lancaster, CA, runs anywhere from $383 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,472 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 402 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 $1,187, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,472 or more.
  • Moving containers run $900 - $2,883, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $383 - $1,050.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Lancaster, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,946 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Lancaster: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,946 - $4,969. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 402 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 402-mile route from Tempe to Lancaster, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,187 - $3,788 $900 - $1,689 $383 - $689 $845 - $1,596
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,946 - $4,969 $1,202 - $2,397 $428 - $833 $991 - $1,825
4+ bedrooms $3,140 - $7,472 $1,674 - $2,883 $511 - $1,050 $1,223 - $2,259

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Hiring full-service movers from Tempe, Arizona, to Lancaster, California, costs between $1,187 and $7,472. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 402-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $398 - $2,652, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Tempe and Lancaster. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tempe tend to start around $200 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $3,788
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,946 - $4,969
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,140 - $7,472

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 Tempe to Lancaster.

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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lancaster, 95% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing98% of local movers$663 - $6,630
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$265 - $1,591/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$398 - $3,182
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers$1,326 - $3,978
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,315 - $13,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$993 - $1,887
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$1,326 - $3,315
PianoAny piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$1,061 - $4,641
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers$398 - $1,989
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$862 - $2,652
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$398 - $19,890+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$398 - $4,641+

What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Lancaster?

All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

How much do local movers cost in Tempe, AZ?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tempe to Lancaster with a local mover averages $1,869 - $4,771. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Tempe, AZ can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.

Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.

Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Tempe, 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 Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Lancaster, California, cost between $900 and $2,883. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,689
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,202 - $2,397
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,674 - $2,883

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and Lancaster, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $928 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $99 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $199 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

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 $900. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,202 - $2,397, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Tempe to Lancaster?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:

  • Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
  • Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
  • Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Plan on $383 - $1,050 for a rental moving truck on the 402-mile route from Tempe, Arizona, to Lancaster, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $170 - $194
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tempe to Lancaster based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $383 - $689
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $428 - $833
  • 4+ bedrooms: $511 - $1,050

Pro tip: The base rate of $383 - $1,050 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Lancaster. Fuel ($170 - $194) , lodging at around $199/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $99 and $464.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $199.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $170 and $194 for the 402-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $928 for 2 movers in Tempe, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe to Lancaster?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, to Lancaster, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,193 and $1,825.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $845 - $1,596
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,825
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,223 - $2,259

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 Tempe, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $928.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $199 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Lancaster?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Lancaster, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lancaster, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Tempe, AZ Lancaster, CA
Cost of living index113162
Average rent$1,834/mo$2,600/mo
Median home value$421,086$400,712
Average income$77,643/yr$76,083/yr
Unemployment rate5.4%15.6%
State income taxUp to 2.5%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score54/10029/100
Safety index57.64/10054.5/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Lancaster, CA to Tempe, AZ guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 97 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 402-mile move like this one.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 402-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Lancaster, CA, run $1,187 - $7,472 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $900 - $2,883, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $383 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,946, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Antelope Valley Hospital and Antelope Valley Union High School District.

FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Lancaster, CA

What are the best neighborhoods in Lancaster?

For families, Quartz Hill, West Lancaster, and Rancho Vista are worth a look in Lancaster. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Lancaster, Central Lancaster, and East Lancaster tend to be popular picks instead.

How walkable is Lancaster?

Lancaster has a walkability score of 29 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 40, compared to 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

Is Lancaster a safe place to live?

Lancaster has a safety index of 54.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 45.5, compared to 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, CA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What is the best time of year to move from Tempe, AZ to Lancaster, 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.

What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.