Top-rated movers to make your Modesto to Tempe move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Modesto that offers long-distance services to Tempe can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 14 top local movers in Modesto who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Modesto to Tempe.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC , J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Tempe?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 – $3,556 | $707 – $1,691 | $515 – $964 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,253 – $5,267 | $1,337 – $2,641 | $513 – $1,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,630 – $7,573 | $1,702 – $3,130 | $641 – $1,360 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Tempe
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tempe from Modesto, you can expect prices to land between $1,210 and $3,556. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,253 to $5,267 for the trip from Modesto to Tempe. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,630 and $7,573.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Tempe
Moving containers from Modesto to Tempe will cost you $707 to $1,691 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,337 to $2,641. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,702 to $3,130. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Tempe
Renting a moving truck from Modesto to Tempe typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $515 and $964 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $513 to $1,090. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $641 to $1,360.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to Tempe move

What to know before moving from Modesto to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tempe runs about 135% higher for singles and 15% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Modesto versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $6,810 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Moving to Tempe from Modesto won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Tempe are about 7% higher than those in Modesto.
- In terms of average income, Tempe and Modesto are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Tempe, as living costs for a single person are 135% higher than in Modesto. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 15% higher than in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is about 32% lower than in Modesto. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 9% less in Tempe relative to Modesto. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Arizona are 81% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Modesto and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Tempe.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Tempe.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Tempe.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Tempe.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Tempe
| Modesto | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 75 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tempe’s population is about 17% less than Modesto.
- Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Modesto’s score of 5.
- Tempe is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Modesto’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe’s crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 42.36 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 57.64 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Tempe 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Arizona 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 Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tempe
Planning your move to Tempe? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After settling into your new Arizona home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tempe features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago 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 Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Tempe?
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Tempe?
How long does a move from Modesto to Tempe take?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Modesto?
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