Moving from Tempe to Phoenix, AZ
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Phoenix costs between $40 to $4,158 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 10-mile route within Arizona take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tempe to Phoenix
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tempe to Phoenix are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tempe to driving and unloading in Phoenix, 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 10 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $762 - $2,524 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $388 - $1,132 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $124 | 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 Tempe to Phoenix?
It costs between $40 to $4,158 to move from Tempe to Phoenix. The prices below break down your 10-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $476 - $4,158
- Moving containers: $118 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $40 - $157
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $476 - $1,418 | $118 - $814 | $40 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $762 - $2,524 | $388 - $1,132 | $46 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303 - $4,158 | $824 - $1,644 | $63 - $157 |
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 Tempe to Phoenix
At 10 miles, your Tempe to Phoenix 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 Tempe to Phoenix. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 10 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tempe to Phoenix. 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 Phoenix to Tempe guide.
Considerations when moving from Tempe to Phoenix
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Phoenix
The cost of living in Tempe vs. Phoenix isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Phoenix compares to what you’re used to in Tempe.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tempe | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,834 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $421,086 | $380,294 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,643 | $77,041 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,433 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.1% | 8.6% |
- Rent in Phoenix is about 8% cheaper than in Tempe. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Phoenix are 10% lower than in Tempe. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income is the same in Phoenix and Tempe, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 56% lower than in Tempe, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 23% lower in Phoenix than in Tempe. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 22% higher than in Tempe. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Phoenix are 6% higher than in Tempe, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Tempe, you’ll need about $1,320 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Phoenix.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Phoenix
Before you move, check out how life in Phoenix measures up to Tempe. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Tempe | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 1,608,139 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 53.06 |
Phoenix sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Phoenix has a population roughly 791% higher than Tempe. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Phoenix voted Republican, while Tempe leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Phoenix and Tempe have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Tempe and Phoenix—with winter lows around 42°F and 43°F.
- Both Tempe and Phoenix see similar yearly rainfall—Tempe averages 9 inches, while Phoenix gets 9 inches.
- Both Tempe and Phoenix receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Phoenix shows a higher crime rate than Tempe, with index scores of 53.06 compared to 42.36.
Things to do in Phoenix
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Phoenix has plenty to offer:
Museums in Phoenix
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Heard Museum
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
Parks in Phoenix
- Encanto Park
- Freestone Park
- Tempe Beach Park
- Desert Breeze Park
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Sports teams in Phoenix
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
Universities in Phoenix
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
- Phoenix College
- Phoenix Seminary
- Barrow Neurological Institute
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tempe to Phoenix?
Shipping furniture from Tempe to Phoenix with a moving company typically costs between $350 and $1,226. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $762 to $2,524. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,303 and $4,158 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Phoenix?
If you’re planning a move from Tempe to Phoenix and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $116 and $822. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $388 to $1,132. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $824 to $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Phoenix?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $38 and $101. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $46 and $124. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Tempe to Phoenix, truck rentals usually range from $63 up to $157.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Phoenix movers?
To make your move from Tempe to Phoenix as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Phoenix?
The cheapest time of year to move to Phoenix is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
