Moving from Tempe to Tucson, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Tucson costs between $133 to $4,909 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 106-mile route within Arizona take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tempe to Tucson
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tempe to Tucson 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 Tucson, 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 106 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,224 - $3,741 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,078 - $1,946 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $128 - $215 | 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 Tucson?
It costs between $133 to $4,909 to move from Tempe to Tucson. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $674 - $4,909
- Moving containers: $816 - $2,157
- Rental trucks: $133 - $236
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $674 - $3,354 | $816 - $1,365 | $133 - $194 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,224 - $3,741 | $1,078 - $1,946 | $128 - $215 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,878 - $4,909 | $1,352 - $2,157 | $159 - $236 |
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 Tucson
At 106 miles, your Tempe to Tucson 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 Tucson. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 106 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tempe to Tucson. 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 Tucson to Tempe guide.
Considerations when moving from Tempe to Tucson
Cost of living: Tempe vs. Tucson
The cost of living in Tempe vs. Tucson goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see 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% |
- Rent in Tucson is roughly 29% less expensive than in Tempe. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Tucson are 43% lower than in Tempe, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Tucson is 30% lower than in Tempe. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 56% lower than in Tempe. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 11% lower in Tucson than in Tempe. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Tucson is 37% higher than in Tempe. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- In Tucson, sales taxes are 7% higher than in Tempe. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
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
As you plan your move, comparing life in Tempe vs. Tucson is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Tempe and Tucson to help you evaluate which city may be 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Tucson is about 200% larger than Tempe. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- In the last presidential election, Tucson voted Republican and Tempe voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tucson and Tempe are nearly identical, with averages around 101°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Tempe and Tucson experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 42°F and 38°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Tempe to Tucson. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 9 inches in Tempe and 12 inches in Tucson.
- Both Tempe and Tucson receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Tucson, with an index of 54.43, compared to Tempe at 42.36.
Things to do in Tucson
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Tucson has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tempe to Tucson?
Moving your furniture from Tempe to Tucson with a professional moving company usually ranges from $602 to $2,590. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,224 and $3,741. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,878 to $4,909 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Tempe to Tucson?
If you’re moving from Tempe to Tucson and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $583 to $1,320. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,078 and $1,946. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,352 to $2,157.
How much is a moving truck from Tempe to Tucson?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $120 and $196. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $128 to $215. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Tempe to Tucson, rental prices generally fall between $159 and $236.
How far in advance should I book Tempe-to-Tucson movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Tempe to Tucson at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Tempe-to-Tucson movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tucson?
If you want to save money on your move to Tucson, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
