Moving from Tucson to Phoenix, AZ
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Quick answer: Moving from Tucson to Phoenix costs between $136 to $4,670 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 111-mile route within Arizona take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tucson to Phoenix
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tucson to Phoenix are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tucson 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 111 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,378 - $4,114 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,084 - $1,949 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $143 - $267 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | E-Z Move | $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 Tucson to Phoenix?
It costs between $136 to $4,670 to move from Tucson to Phoenix. The prices below break down your 111-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $746 - $4,670
- Moving containers: $821 - $2,418
- Rental trucks: $136 - $278
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $746 - $3,437 | $821 - $1,349 | $136 - $228 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,378 - $4,114 | $1,084 - $1,949 | $143 - $267 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,925 - $4,670 | $1,335 - $2,418 | $180 - $278 |
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 | $291 - $2,425+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $194 - $776 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $49 - $194 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tucson to Phoenix
At 111 miles, your Tucson 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 Tucson to Phoenix. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Arizona, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 111 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tucson to Phoenix. They've been in business since 1991 (35 years of experience) and 86.1% of their 202 verified reviews are positive.
More Arizona moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix to Tucson guide.
Considerations when moving from Tucson to Phoenix
Cost of living: Tucson vs. Phoenix
When weighing the cost of living in Tucson versus Phoenix, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Phoenix really compares to Tucson.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tucson | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $240,428 | $380,294 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,546 | $77,041 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,390 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,043 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.7% | 8.6% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 31% higher than in Tucson. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Phoenix are 58% higher than in Tucson. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 41% higher than in Tucson. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Phoenix and Tucson. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
- If you’re moving to Phoenix, you’ll find that the cost of living is 14% lower than in Tucson. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Phoenix is 11% lower than in Tucson. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Phoenix and Tucson, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Tucson, you’d need about $2,970 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Tucson vs. Phoenix
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Tucson and Phoenix. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Tucson | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 1,608,139 |
| Political leaning | Republican 52-48 | Republican 52-48 |
| Summer high | 101ºF | 105ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 9" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 53.06 |
Phoenix sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Phoenix is about 196% larger than Tucson. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Tucson and Phoenix leaned Republican.
- In Phoenix and Tucson, summer highs run about the same — 105°F vs. 101°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Tucson and Phoenix face similar winter lows—Tucson drops to 38°F, while Phoenix falls to 43°F.
- Both Tucson and Phoenix receive similar amounts of rain annually—Tucson gets about 12 inches, while Phoenix sees around 9 inches each year.
- Both Tucson and Phoenix receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Phoenix and Tucson have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 53.06 and 54.43, respectively.
Things to do in Phoenix
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Phoenix has it all.
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 Tucson to Phoenix?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Tucson to Phoenix, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $687 and $2,728. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,378 up to $4,114. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,925 to $4,670 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Tucson to Phoenix?
Moving containers from Tucson to Phoenix will cost you $563 to $1,331 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,084 to $1,949. A larger home will cost $1,335 to $2,418.
How much is a moving truck from Tucson to Phoenix?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $138 to $228. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $143 and $267. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Tucson to Phoenix, costs usually fall between $180 and $278.
How far in advance should I book Tucson-to-Phoenix movers?
To make your move from Tucson to Phoenix as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Phoenix?
For the best deals on your move to Phoenix, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
