Moving from Scottsdale to Tucson, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Scottsdale to Tucson costs $147–$5,064, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 116-mile route within Arizona take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Arizona moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Scottsdale to Tucson?
Moving from Scottsdale to Tucson doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 116-mile move:
Moving from Scottsdale to Tucson costs between $147 and $5,064, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 116-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,351–$3,996 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,063–$1,833 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $142–$246 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $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 99+ Arizona movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Scottsdale to Tucson?
The cost to move from Scottsdale to Tucson ranges from $147 to $5,064, 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: $724–$5,064
- Moving containers: $846–$2,325
- Rental trucks: $147–$301
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 | $724–$3,173 | $846–$1,390 | $147–$228 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,351–$3,996 | $1,063–$1,833 | $142–$246 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,815–$5,064 | $1,348–$2,325 | $182–$301 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Arizona 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.
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Scottsdale to Tucson, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 116 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Scottsdale to Tucson. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Arizona, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 116 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- 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 Arizona moving resources
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 two 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 May 2026 across 99+ 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 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 $147–$5,064 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ 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 $640–$2,839 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,351–$3,996. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $1,815 and $5,064 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Scottsdale to Tucson?
Moving containers from Scottsdale to Tucson have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $557 and $1,303. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,063–$1,833. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,348 to $2,325.
How much is a moving truck from Scottsdale to Tucson?
A rental moving truck from Scottsdale to Tucson costs $140–$219 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $142–$246. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $182–$301.
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.
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.
