Tempe, AZ to Olympia, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Olympia typically costs $3,400–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,453 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Tempe to Olympia
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Olympia, WA typically costs $3,400–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,453-mile move from Tempe to Olympia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,403 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $6,207 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $995 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 10, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tempe to Olympia move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Tempe.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,000 to $2,700, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Olympia, WA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Best Tempe to Olympia movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Tempe to Olympia
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Tempe to Olympia much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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→WA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 99 Arizona movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tempe to Olympia
Many movers find Olympia easier on the wallet than Tempe - roughly 54% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,473 for one person in Olympia versus $5,433 in Tempe. For a family of four, it's $5,391 compared with $6,810.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tempe | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,675 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,817 |
| Average home value | $471,494 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,080 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,433 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.1% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
- Moving to Olympia from Tempe won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Olympia are about 8% higher than those in Tempe.
- In terms of average income, Olympia and Tempe are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Olympia, as the cost of living for a single person is 54% lower compared to Tempe.
- A move to Olympia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21% less than what it costs in Tempe.
- With Olympia and Tempe having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Olympia are 16% more than in Tempe, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Washington 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Tempe and Olympia:
| Living Expense | Tempe | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $152.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.00 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tempe than in Olympia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Olympia.
- Eggs cost more in Tempe than in Olympia.
- Bread is more expensive in Tempe than in Olympia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in Olympia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Tempe than in Olympia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in Olympia.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Olympia
| Tempe | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 55,605 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 59 |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 27.95 |
| Safety index | 57.64 | 62.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 69% less than Tempe.
- Olympia's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tempe's score of 8.
- Olympia is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
- Olympia has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75.
- Olympia's crime rate is lower than Tempe with a score of 27.95 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Tempe with a safety index of 62.25 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Tempe it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe to Olympia move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Washington’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Olympia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Olympia
Planning your move to Oly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Downtown
- Bigelow Highlands
- Upper Eastside
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
- Woodfield Estates
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Holiday Hills
- Woodfield Estates
- Eastside
- Cain Road
- Indian Creek
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Olympia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Olympia?
Planning your move from Tempe to Olympia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to Olympia?
Because most people are moving from Tempe to Olympia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Tempe to Olympia take?
The 1,453-mile journey from Tempe, AZ to Olympia, WA, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Tempe offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Olympia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Tempe?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 5 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Tempe?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Tempe, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 37 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Arizona has 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
