Scottsdale to Tucson Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Scottsdale to Tucson, AZ (~116 miles) typically ranges from $139 to $5,162.
Local movers such as Gilbert Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 357 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $85/hr per mover, with a typical 2–3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Scottsdale
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Scottsdale to Tucson?
At 116 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Arizona companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.8/5) as the top local pick, followed by Camelback Moving (4.72/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 116-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Gilbert Moving & Storage | $1,308–$4,114 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,094–$1,987 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $154–$264 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gilbert Moving & Storage | $85/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 97+ Arizona movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Scottsdale to Tucson?
The cost to move from Scottsdale to Tucson ranges from $139 to $5,162, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 116-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $722–$5,162
- Moving containers: $897–$2,538
- Rental trucks: $139–$295
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 116 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $722–$3,573 | $897–$1,475 | $139–$232 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,308–$4,114 | $1,094–$1,987 | $154–$264 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,945–$5,162 | $1,487–$2,538 | $184–$295 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 97+ Arizona moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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.
Learn more about the cost of Scottsdale, AZ movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Scottsdale to Tucson move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Scottsdale to Tucson move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Scottsdale to Tucson
At 116 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Arizona movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Gilbert Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 357 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Arizona specialize in intrastate logistics, Arizona regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 116 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 65 Scottsdale movers drawing on 18,058 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Gilbert Moving & Storage at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 357 verified reviews. 96.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Camelback Moving at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 1,297 verified reviews. 93.4% of customers rate them positively.
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 222 verified reviews. 97.7% of customers rate them positively.
- NorthStar Moving Company at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 121 verified reviews. 90.1% of customers rate them positively.
- Dose Moving & Storage at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 620 verified reviews. 93.4% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Arizona moving resources
What to know about moving from Scottsdale to Tucson
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Scottsdale and Tucson are both in Arizona, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Arizona law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Arizona movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Arizona intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Arizona, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Arizona intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 116 miles, most Scottsdale-to-Tucson moves complete in 1–2 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Scottsdale and Tucson commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Arizona summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Arizona expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Scottsdale to Tucson move:
- Verify your mover holds Arizona intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson to Scottsdale guide.
How does Tucson compare to Scottsdale?
Cost of living: Scottsdale vs. Tucson
The cost of living in Scottsdale vs. Tucson is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Tucson measures up against Scottsdale.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $709,486 | $240,428 |
| Average income (per capita) | $107,372 | $54,546 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.05% | 8.7% |
Cost-of-living data for Scottsdale and Tucson comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 97+ Arizona cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Tucson runs 61% cheaper than Scottsdale. Consider upgrading to a larger unit or banking the savings.
- Home prices in Tucson are 66% lower than Scottsdale. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Tucson is 49% lower than Scottsdale. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Tucson is 58% lower than Scottsdale. The savings typically free up 58% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Tucson runs 32% higher than Scottsdale. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- Unemployment in Tucson runs 57% higher than Scottsdale. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Tucson are 8% higher than Scottsdale. Annual spending on taxable goods will land meaningfully higher.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Scottsdale, you'll need about $1,260 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Tucson.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Tucson
A look at how life in Tucson measures up to Scottsdale covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Scottsdale | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 542,629 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 101ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 25.8 | 54.43 |
- Tucson is roughly 125% larger in size than Scottsdale. Bigger metros support more industry diversity and entertainment options, with the tradeoff of higher housing prices and longer commutes.
- During the last presidential election, both Scottsdale and Tucson supported the Republican candidate.
- Summer highs in Tucson (101°F) match Scottsdale (104°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Scottsdale (42°F) and Tucson (38°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Scottsdale (11 inches) and Tucson (12 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Scottsdale and Tucson is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Tucson (54.43) is higher than Scottsdale (25.8). Factor home security, insurance, and neighborhood vetting into the relocation budget.
Things to do in Tucson
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Tucson's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Tucson
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Pima Air and Space Museum
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
- The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
- Franklin Auto Museum
Parks in Tucson
- Agua Caliente Park
- Himmel Park
- Rillito River Park
- Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
- Sabino Canyon
Sports teams in Tucson
- University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
- Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
- Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
- FC Tucson (USL)
- Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)
Universities in Tucson
- University of Arizona
- Pima Community College
- Arizona State University's College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Tucson College
- Brookline College
Final verdict: best movers from Scottsdale to Tucson
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Scottsdale to Tucson, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Arizona service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.8 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 96.6% positive reviews across 357 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $139–$5,162 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 97+ Arizona movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Scottsdale to Tucson
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Scottsdale to Tucson?
A full-service move from Scottsdale to Tucson typically costs $714–$2,722 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,308–$4,114. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $1,945 and $5,162 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Scottsdale to Tucson?
Moving containers from Scottsdale to Tucson break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $609 and $1,356. For 2–3 bedroom homes, expect $1,094–$1,987. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect $1,487–$2,538.
How much is a moving truck from Scottsdale to Tucson?
A rental moving truck from Scottsdale to Tucson costs $143–$228 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $154–$264. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $184–$295.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Scottsdale-to-Tucson movers?
Lock in your movers for a Scottsdale to Tucson move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead. As an intrastate Arizona move, same-day or next-day delivery is typically available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
The cheapest time of year to move to Tucson is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
Is moving from Scottsdale to Tucson considered a long-distance move?
A move from Scottsdale to Tucson is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Arizona, so Arizona law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 116 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Arizona intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Scottsdale to Tucson take?
Most moves from Scottsdale to Tucson take 1–2 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 116 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
