Moving from Tempe to Tucson, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Tucson costs $122–$5,005, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 106-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 Tempe to Tucson?
Moving from Tempe 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 106-mile move:
Moving from Tempe to Tucson costs between $122 and $5,005, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,315–$3,778 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,015–$1,928 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $129–$235 (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 Tucson?
Movers typically charge between $122 and $5,005 for a Tempe to Tucson move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 106-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $745–$5,005
- Moving containers: $816–$2,362
- Rental trucks: $122–$235
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 106 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $745–$3,065 | $816–$1,392 | $122–$182 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,315–$3,778 | $1,015–$1,928 | $129–$235 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,752–$5,005 | $1,406–$2,362 | $151–$235 |
*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 Tucson move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Tempe to Tucson move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but 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 Tucson
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Tempe to Tucson, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 106 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 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 106 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 Tempe guide.
How does Tucson compare to Tempe?
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Tucson
Cost-of-living factors in Tempe vs. Tucson go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Tucson stacks up against Tempe.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tempe | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,834 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $421,086 | $240,428 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,643 | $54,546 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,433 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.1% | 8.7% |
Cost-of-living data for Tempe 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 is 29% lower than Tempe. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- Home prices in Tucson are 43% lower than Tempe. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Tucson is 30% lower than Tempe. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- Living expenses for one person in Tucson are 56% lower than Tempe. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tucson is 11% lower than Tempe. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Tucson is 37% higher than Tempe. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes in Tucson are 7% higher than Tempe. Factor the increase into household budgets for furniture, electronics, and appliances.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Tempe, expect to budget around $1,320 to maintain the same lifestyle in Tucson.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Tucson
A side-by-side comparison of life in Tempe vs. Tucson helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Tempe and Tucson so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Tempe | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 542,629 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 104ºF | 101ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 9" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 54.43 |
- Tucson is 200% larger in size than Tempe. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- In the last presidential election, Tucson voted Republican and Tempe voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tucson (101°F) and Tempe (104°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Tempe (42°F) match Tucson (38°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Tempe and Tucson is nearly identical, at 9 inches and 12 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Tempe and Tucson is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Tucson (54.43) runs higher than Tempe (42.36). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
Things to do in Tucson
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Tucson. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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 Tempe to Tucson
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Tempe 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 $122–$5,005 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 Tucson
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tempe to Tucson?
A full-service move from Tempe to Tucson ranges from $633 to $2,643 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,315–$3,778. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,752–$5,005 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Tucson?
Moving containers from Tempe to Tucson break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $588 to $1,373. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,015 and $1,928. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,406 to $2,362.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Tucson?
A rental moving truck from Tempe to Tucson costs $122–$190 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $129–$235, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $151 and $235.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Tucson movers?
Ideally, book your move from Tempe to Tucson at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Tempe-to-Tucson movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
For the cheapest move to Tucson, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
