The best local movers for Los Angeles to Tucson moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Los Angeles that also handles long-distance moves to Tucson. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 102 local movers in Los Angeles who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Los Angeles to Tucson.
- Seka Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Excalibur Movers Los Angeles: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 019128
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1383790
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Tucson?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 – $3,256 | $677 – $1,547 | $409 – $764 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,030 – $4,929 | $1,127 – $2,311 | $433 – $845 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,410 – $7,282 | $1,641 – $3,084 | $522 – $1,071 |
Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Tucson
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Tucson will cost between $1,157 and $3,256. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Los Angeles will range from $2,030 to $4,929, and a large move from Los Angeles to Tucson will cost from $3,410 to $7,282.
Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Tucson
If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Tucson, expect to pay between $677 and $1,547 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,127 up to $2,311. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,641 and $3,084. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Tucson
Renting a moving truck from Los Angeles to Tucson is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $409 and $764. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $433 and $845. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $522 up to $1,071 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Tucson
The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,544, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,613.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($409–$1,003) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Tucson
Many movers find Tucson easier on the wallet than Los Angeles – roughly 59% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,390 for one person in Tucson versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it’s $6,043 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $1,265 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $2,177 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- If you’re heading to Tucson from Los Angeles, you’ll find that rent is roughly 56% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 86% less in Tucson than in Los Angeles.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 18% lower in Tucson compared to Los Angeles.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tucson. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 59% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Choosing to move to Tucson can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52% less than in Los Angeles.
- Tucson enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 30% lower compared to Los Angeles, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 8% in Tucson compared to Los Angeles, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 81% less in Arizona than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Los Angeles and Tucson:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $271.98 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $35.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Los Angeles than in Tucson, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
- Gym memberships cost more in Los Angeles than in Tucson.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Tucson
| Los Angeles | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 542,629 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 66 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 54.43 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 45.57 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tucson’s population is about 86% less than Los Angeles.
- Tucson’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Los Angeles’s score of 8.
- Tucson is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Los Angeles’s 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Tucson is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tucson and Los Angeles have a similar crime rate with scores of 54.43 and 53.81, respectively.
- Tucson and Los Angeles have a similar safety level, with scores of 45.57 and 46.19.
- Air quality in Tucson is Good, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Tucson 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona 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 Tucson. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tucson
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Old Pueblo, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tucson.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
Once you’re settled into your new home in Arizona, it’s time to get out and discover what Tucson has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tucson, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton 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 University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)FC Tucson (USL)Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Tucson?
The best time to move from Los Angeles to Tucson is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Tucson?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Tucson, 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 Los Angeles to Tucson take?
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Tucson, covers 482 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tucson.
Which movers in Los Angeles 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. 2 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 Los Angeles?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 82 movers in Los Angeles advertise piano moving expertise. 71 movers in Los Angeles provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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