Tempe, AZ to Seattle, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Seattle typically costs $3,400–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,447 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tempe to Seattle
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Seattle, WA typically costs $3,400–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,447-mile move from Tempe to Seattle, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,817 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,308 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,679 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tempe to Seattle
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tempe, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$2,600) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Seattle, WA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Best Tempe to Seattle movers by type
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Best professional movers from Tempe to Seattle
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Tempe to Seattle, 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
How we chose the best AZ→WA 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 Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Seattle runs about -31% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Tempe.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Seattle versus $5,433 in Tempe; families pay $9,801 compared with $6,810.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tempe | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $471,494 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,080 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,433 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.1% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 8% higher in Seattle compared to Tempe; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 79% greater in Seattle than in Tempe.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 21% higher in Seattle 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 Seattle. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31% lower than in Tempe.
- When relocating to Seattle, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 44% greater than in Tempe.
- Seattle enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 11% lower compared to Tempe, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 28% in Seattle over Tempe, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Tempe and Seattle:
| Living Expense | Tempe | Seattle |
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| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.00 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tempe than in Seattle.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tempe than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Tempe than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tempe than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in Seattle.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Seattle
| Tempe | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 71 |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 57.64 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle's population is about 308% greater than Tempe.
- Seattle's public transportation score is within about 5% of Tempe, making them very similar.
- Seattle is more walkable than Tempe with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
- Both Seattle and Tempe have similar bike-friendliness scores (75 vs 71), meaning Seattle is about as safe for cyclists as Tempe. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than Tempe with a score of 58.88 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 49.23 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Tempe it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe to Seattle 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington 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 Seattle. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you've decided to make the move to Emerald City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
Once you're settled into your new home in Washington, it's time to get out and discover what Seattle has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Seattle, such as the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek 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 Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Seattle?
The best time to move from Tempe to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tempe to Seattle, 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 Seattle take?
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Seattle, WA covers 1,447 miles and usually takes three 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 Seattle.
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 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.