($725+) Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Kansas City, MO, runs anywhere from $725 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,628 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,199 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,165, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,628 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,273 - $4,271, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $725 - $1,982.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Kansas City, MO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,539 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Kansas City: 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 $2,539 - $6,464. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 67% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,199 miles, expect 2 to 8 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 1,199-mile route from Tempe to Kansas City, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,165 - $5,112 with full-service movers, $1,273 - $2,203 with a container, $725 - $1,452 with a rental truck, or $1,080 - $2,064 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,539 - $6,464 full-service, $1,609 - $3,321 by container, $831 - $1,677 by rental truck, or $1,237 - $2,532 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,562 - $8,628 full-service, $2,072 - $4,271 by container, $1,045 - $1,982 by rental truck, or $1,640 - $3,383 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
Hiring full-service movers from Tempe, Arizona, to Kansas City, Missouri, costs between $2,165 and $8,628. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,199-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $309 - $2,060, 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 Kansas City. 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 Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,165 - $5,112
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,539 - $6,464
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,562 - $8,628
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 Kansas City.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Kansas City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $206 - $1,236/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $309 - $2,472 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,030 - $3,090 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,575 - $10,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $771 - $1,466 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $670 - $2,060 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $309 - $15,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $309 - $3,605+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Kansas City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tempe, AZ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Kansas City, Missouri, cost between $1,273 and $4,271. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Tempe typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,072 - $4,271
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and Kansas City, MO. 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 $721 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $155 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 Missouri 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 $1,273. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,609 - $3,321.
What are the best moving containers Tempe to Kansas City?
- 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 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:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
Truck rentals from Tempe, Arizona, to Kansas City, Missouri, range from $725 - $1,982 for the 1,199-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $393 - $449
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Kansas City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $725 - $1,452
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $831 - $1,677
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,045 - $1,982
Pro tip: The base rate of $725 - $1,982 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Kansas City. Fuel ($393 - $449), lodging at around $155/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $335 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $393 - $449 in fuel for the 1,199-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $721 in Tempe, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe to Kansas City?
- 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 Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Kansas City, Missouri.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,237 and $2,532.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,080 - $2,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,383
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tempe, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $721.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $155 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Kansas City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tempe to Kansas City, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Kansas City, MO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Kansas City, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $223,324 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $67,449/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 4.8% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 42.6/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Kansas City, MO to Tempe, 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 Missouri, 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 242 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 1,199-mile move.
Our take
The 1,199-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Kansas City, MO, costs between $2,165 and $8,628 with full-service movers, $1,273 - $4,271 with a moving container, and $725 - $1,982 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,539 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Kansas City tend to point to ample economic opportunity and delicious barbecue, though tornadoes and extreme weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Public School System and Federal Government.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Kansas City, MO
How walkable is Kansas City?
Kansas City has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($393 - $449), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Missouri?
Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.
What is the best time of year to move from Tempe, AZ to Kansas City, MO?
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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.