Moving from Tempe to Mesa, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Mesa costs $38–$4,119, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 6-mile route within Arizona take – 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 Tempe to Mesa?
Moving from Tempe to Mesa 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 6-mile move:
Moving from Tempe to Mesa costs between $38 and $4,119, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 6-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $802–$2,707 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $399–$1,121 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $51–$121 (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 Tempe to Mesa?
A move from Tempe to Mesa runs $38 to $4,119, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 6-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $467–$4,119
- Moving containers: $126–$1,613
- Rental trucks: $38–$152
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 6 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $467–$1,348 | $126–$797 | $38–$103 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $802–$2,707 | $399–$1,121 | $51–$121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,290–$4,119 | $816–$1,613 | $63–$152 |
*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 Tempe to Mesa move?
Common extra fees on a Tempe to Mesa move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on 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 Tempe to Mesa
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Tempe to Mesa, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 6 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 Tempe to Mesa. 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 6 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 Mesa to Tempe guide.
How does Mesa compare to Tempe?
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Mesa
The cost of living in Tempe vs. Mesa goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Mesa stacks up against Tempe.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tempe | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,834 | $1,786 |
| Average home cost | $421,086 | $354,997 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,643 | $78,779 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,433 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.1% | 8.3% |
Cost-of-living data for Tempe and Mesa 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 prices in Mesa are nearly identical to Tempe. Your housing line item won't shift in the move.
- Home prices in Mesa are 16% lower than Tempe. Equity from a Tempe sale typically buys more square footage in Mesa.
- Income levels in Tempe and Mesa are nearly identical. Local pay scales should not require an adjustment to your budget.
- Cost of living for one person in Mesa is 56% lower than Tempe. Apply the difference to debt paydown, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Mesa is 18% lower than Tempe. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Mesa runs 13% higher than Tempe. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes are equal in Mesa and Tempe. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,320 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Tempe.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Mesa
Life in Mesa vs. Tempe differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Tempe | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 504,258 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 40ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 10" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 44.67 |
- Mesa is around 179% larger in size than Tempe. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, Mesa leaned Republican, while Tempe went Democratic.
- Summer highs in Mesa (105°F) match Tempe (104°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Tempe (42°F) and Mesa (40°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Tempe (9 inches) and Mesa (10 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall in Tempe and Mesa is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime indexes in Tempe (42.36) and Mesa (44.67) are similar. Use neighborhood data, not city averages, when comparing specific addresses.
Things to do in Mesa
Mesa balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Mesa
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Mesa Arts Center
- i.d.e.a. Museum
- Mesa Historical Museum
Parks in Mesa
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
- Freestone Park
- Riverview Park
- Pioneer Park
Sports teams in Mesa
Universities in Mesa
- Mesa Community College,
- Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University
- A. T. Still University: Osteopathic Medical School
- CAE Global Academy Phoenix
- Albright College
Final verdict: best movers from Tempe to Mesa
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Tempe to Mesa, 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 $38–$4,119 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 Tempe to Mesa
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tempe to Mesa?
A professional moving company from Tempe to Mesa charges $336–$1,120 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $802–$2,707. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $1,290–$4,119.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Mesa?
Moving containers from Tempe to Mesa typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $118 and go up to $806. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $399 and $1,121. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $816–$1,613.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Mesa?
A rental moving truck from Tempe to Mesa costs $39–$100 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $51–$121, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $63–$152.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Mesa movers?
Book your move from Tempe to Mesa at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Tempe-to-Mesa movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mesa?
The cheapest time to move to Mesa is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
