Moving from Gilbert to Tempe, AZ

Quick answer: Moving from Gilbert to Tempe costs between $38 to $3,998 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.

Most moves on this 13-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Gilbert to Tempe

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Gilbert to Tempe are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Gilbert to driving and unloading in Tempe, but cost the most
  • Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
  • Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
  • Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 13 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $803 - $2,680 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $391 - $1,166 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $48 - $117 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Gilbert Moving & Storage $85/hr Need a loading crew and already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

How much does it cost to move from Gilbert to Tempe?

It costs between $38 to $3,998 to move from Gilbert to Tempe. The prices below break down your 13-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $476 - $3,998
  • Moving containers: $123 - $1,581
  • Rental trucks: $38 - $146
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $476 - $1,321 $123 - $797 $38 - $95
2 - 3 bedrooms $803 - $2,680 $391 - $1,166 $48 - $117
4+ bedrooms $1,251 - $3,998 $768 - $1,581 $66 - $146
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

Extra costs to budget for

Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Packing service $339 - $2,825+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $85/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $90/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $226 - $904 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $56 - $226 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Gilbert to Tempe

At 13 miles, your Gilbert to Tempe move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.

Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics

Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Gilbert to Tempe. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 13 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Gilbert to Tempe. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 85.1% of their 141 verified reviews are positive.

More Arizona moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe to Gilbert guide.

Considerations when moving from Gilbert to Tempe

Cost of living: Gilbert vs. Tempe

When comparing the cost of living between Gilbert and Tempe, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Tempe stacks up against Gilbert.

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

Gilbert Tempe
Average rent cost $2,250 $1,834
Average home cost $518,558 $421,086
Average income (per capita) $121,351 $77,643
Cost of living (single person) $2,775 $5,433
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,929 $6,810
Unemployment rate 4.5% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 7.8% 8.1%
  • Rent in Tempe is about 18% cheaper than in Gilbert, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
  • Home prices in Tempe are 19% lower than in Gilbert, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
  • Income in Tempe is 36% lower than in Gilbert. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
  • Living expenses for one person in Tempe are 96% higher than in Gilbert, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
  • Living costs here run about 15% higher than in Gilbert. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Tempe one of the more expensive cities for families.
  • Unemployment in Tempe is 20% higher than in Gilbert. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
  • Since sales taxes are the same in Tempe and Gilbert, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,880 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Gilbert.

How life is different in Gilbert vs. Tempe

Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Tempe vs. Gilbert. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.

Gilbert Tempe
Population 267,918 180,587
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high 105ºF 104ºF
Winter low 39ºF 42ºF
Annual rain 9" 9"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 14.77 42.36
  • You’ll notice that Tempe has about 33% fewer people than Gilbert. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
  • In the last presidential election, Tempe leaned Democratic, while Gilbert went Republican.
  • Both Tempe and Gilbert average summer highs close to 104°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
  • During the coldest part of the year, both Gilbert and Tempe experience similar winter lows, with Gilbert reaching 39°F and Tempe getting down to 42°F.
  • Both Gilbert and Tempe see about the same yearly rainfall—Gilbert averages 9 inches, while Tempe gets 9 inches each year.
  • Both Gilbert and Tempe receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Tempe has a higher crime rate than Gilbert, with a crime index of 42.36 vs 14.77.

Things to do in Tempe

Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Tempe has you covered.

Museums in Tempe

  • AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park
  • Tempe History Museum
  • Arizona State University Art Museum
  • ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery
  • Petersen House Museum

Parks in Tempe

  • Tempe Town Lake
  • Kiwanis Park
  • Papago Park

Sports teams in Tempe

  • Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA)

Universities in Tempe

  • Arizona State University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Gilbert to Tempe?

If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Gilbert to Tempe, expect to pay between $333 and $1,167 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $803 and $2,680. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,251 up to $3,998 for the trip.

How much are moving container companies from Gilbert to Tempe?

If you’re moving from Gilbert to Tempe and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $122 and go up to $830. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $391 and $1,166. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $768 and $1,581.

How much is a moving truck from Gilbert to Tempe?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $38 to $101. A larger move will cost $48 to $117, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Gilbert to Tempe costs from $66 to $146.

How far in advance should I book Gilbert-to-Tempe movers?

For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Gilbert to Tempe at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Gilbert-to-Tempe movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tempe?

To save money on your move to Tempe, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.