Quick answer: A typical 853-mile move from Oakland to Tucson runs $778–$6,917 and takes two to seven days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tucson to Oakland guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Oakland to Tucson

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Oakland to go to Tucson can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to AZ movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local movers servicing Oakland to Tucson moves

Searching for a dependable local mover in Oakland that also provides long-distance services to Tucson can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.

That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Oakland who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.

Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Oakland to Tucson.

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
87% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies.
Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving,
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStar’s efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery.
The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Show more
Get a Quote (415) 635-3844

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

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
https://www.facebook.com/sanfranciscomovers,
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer stories about Luigy's Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely.
While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy's receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
Show more
Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

Company Info

State license #: 0192210

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 02740355


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastMovingSystems/?ref=page_internal,
96% of all reviews were positive
3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with West Coast Moving Systems means efficiency meets professionalism—over 96% of customer feedback is positive out of 635 reviews analyzed. Customers consistently highlight fast and organized service, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a streamlined moving process. Clients appreciate that movers are prompt, wrap and protect all items, and communicate thoroughly from scheduling to completion.
Some feedback suggests opportunities for better handling of high-value items, clearer communication in complex situations, or avoiding unexpected charges, but such issues are rare. With overwhelmingly positive comments about helpful attitudes and reliability, West Coast Moving Systems stands out from competitors who frequently receive lower marks for damaged items or disorganized crews. This feedback points to a company that delivers quality and peace of mind at rates considered very reasonable for the quality of service. Those seeking careful, professional movers with responsive support can expect a top-tier experience here.
Show more
Get a Quote (510) 430-2667

Company Info

State license #: 0192456

Years in Business: 18

DOT #: 3071646

Alternate Names: West Coast Movers, West Coast Moving Systems


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/allstarmoverscal/, https://twitter.com/AllStarCal1
96% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Raving customers set All Star Movers & Storage apart from the crowd. Out of 421 reviews, 95.7% praised the company for efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, rapid moves, and strong communication. Customers consistently mention that crews show up on time, finish faster than expected, and handle belongings with care.
Staff are courteous, responsive, and easy to work with. A small portion (3.8%) of feedback points to disappointment with estimate accuracy, damage to items, or surprise extra charges. Few reviewers noted moving costs exceeded quotes or felt work was rushed, sometimes resulting in minor damage. Only two customers (0.5%) shared neutral experiences, often related to pricing clarity. Compared to many movers in the region, All Star stands out for hassle-free service, transparent rates, and reliable teams. While a handful of customers experienced issues, the vast majority were relieved by stress-free moves and recommend this company as a top choice.
Show more
Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Company Info

State license #: 0191302

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2971368


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Tucson?

Oakland movers charge $147 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,490 - $5,478 $973 - $2,483 $720 - $1,373
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,005 - $6,917 $1,801 - $3,418 $778 - $1,599
4+ bedrooms $4,764 - $9,900 $2,327 - $4,655 $1,044 - $2,021
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 853 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from California to Arizona

Planning a move from California to Arizona? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,490 and $5,478. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,005 and $6,917 for the same journey (CA to AZ). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,764 to $9,900.

Cost of moving containers from California to Arizona

If you're moving from California to Arizona, expect to pay between $973 and $2,483 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,801 up to $3,418. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,327 and $4,655. 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 California to Arizona

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $720 and $1,373 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $778 to $1,599. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,044 to $2,021.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Factors that influence moving costs from Oakland to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Oakland to Tucson might cost just $1,490 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,589 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $720 and $1,797, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Oakland to Tucson

Moving from Oakland to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Oakland compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Oakland Tucson
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,295
Average home value $736,156 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $94,389 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $3,146 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,584 $6,043
Unemployment rate 4.5% 7.4%
Sales tax 10.25% 8.7%
State income tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 41% lower than in Oakland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Tucson are 55.6% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Tucson is 34.6% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson — including University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona — may pay more.
  • 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 24.0% lower than in Oakland.
  • A move to Tucson 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 29.6% less than what it costs in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 64.44% higher than in Oakland.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the city's sales taxes in Tucson are 15.12% lower than in Oakland.
  • One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 81.20% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,279.08 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Tucson

Tucson Oakland
Population 542,629 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 43 75
Bike friendliness score 66 65
Crime Index 54.43 68.62
Safety Index 45.57 31.38
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tucson is about 23% greater than Oakland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Tucson without a car might be more difficult than in Oakland. Tucson has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Oakland is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tucson neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Oakland. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Tucson isn't as walkable as Oakland, which has a score of 75 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • Tucson and Oakland are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 66 and 65 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Tucson has a lower crime rate than Oakland based on scores of 54.43 and Oakland's 68.62, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tucson than in Oakland, based on Tucson's safety index of 45.57 versus 31.38 for Oakland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Oakland is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tucson. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Tucson

Now that you've decided to make the move to 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

Now that you've made the move to Arizona it's the perfect time to explore Tucson From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Tucson?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Oakland to Tucson. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Oakland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Tucson?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Oakland 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 Oakland to Tucson take?

Covering 853 miles, the move from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ typically takes two to seven days. Some Oakland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources