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.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to AZ move
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.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 Tucson
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.
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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.