Tempe, AZ to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Houston typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,167 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tempe to Houston
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Houston, TX typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,167-mile move from Tempe to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $793 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,339 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,015 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 23, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 29, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tempe to Houston
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tempe, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($800–$2,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Tempe, AZ guide.
Best Tempe to Houston movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Tempe to Houston
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Tempe to Houston, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AZ→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 99 Arizona moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tempe to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Houston runs about -49% higher for singles and 5% higher for families than Tempe.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Houston versus $5,433 in Tempe; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,810.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tempe | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $471,494 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,080 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,433 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.1% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Houston from Tempe, you'll find that rent is roughly 16% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 44% less in Houston than in Tempe.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Houston than in Tempe, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 49% lower than in Tempe.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Houston and Tempe, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Houston enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 24% lower compared to Tempe, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Houston and Tempe (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Tempe and Houston:
| Living Expense | Tempe | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.00 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tempe than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Tempe than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Tempe than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in Houston.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in Houston.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Houston
| Tempe | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 49 |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 57.64 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 1174% greater than Tempe.
- Houston's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tempe's score of 8.
- Houston is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Tempe with a score of 63.5 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 36.5 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Tempe it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe to Houston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you've decided to make the move to HOU, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what Houston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Houston?
The best time to move from Tempe to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tempe to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Tempe to Houston take?
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Houston, TX covers 1,167 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tempe movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.
Which movers in Tempe give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 5 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Tempe?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Tempe advertise piano moving expertise. 37 movers in Tempe provide antique moving services. State totals show 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
