When relocating from California to Arizona, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,071 to
$5,213, roughly
$1,821 for a container move, and close to
$825
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Arizona?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,185 – $3,702 | $690 – $1,689 | $507 – $934 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,071 – $5,213 | $1,230 – $2,412 | $531 – $1,119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,882 – $7,242 | $1,665 – $3,236 | $691 – $1,357 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,185 – $3,702
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,071 – $5,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,882 – $7,242
How much do moving containers cost from California to Arizona?
- Small move: $690 – $1,689
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,230 – $2,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,665 – $3,236
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $507 – $934
- 2–3 bedrooms: $531 – $1,119
- 4+ bedrooms: $691 – $1,357
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 736-mile move from CA to AZ using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to AZ?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 8.4% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Arizona?
Rent is about 30% lower in Arizona than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,308
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 44% lower in Arizona than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $428,711
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 21% lower in Arizona than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $72,581
Is the overall cost of living higher in Arizona?
The cost of living is 20% lower in Arizona than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 107
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in California and Arizona.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 8.4%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 2.5%
How is daily life different in Arizona compared to California?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Arizona | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 28.43 |
Will Arizona feel more crowded than California?
Arizona is about 81% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Arizona is hotter on average (99°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Arizona is colder on average (34°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Arizona?
Rain: Arizona gets less rain (12″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (6 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Arizona safer than California?
Arizona has a lower crime index than California (24.89 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Arizona?
Museums in Arizona
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
Parks in Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Sports teams in Arizona
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
Universities in Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Arizona move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Arizona moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Arizona, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Arizona?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Arizona moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Arizona?
No moving permit is required in Arizona, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
