($1,053) Moving from San Diego to Phoenix

Quick answer: A move from San Diego to Phoenix costs $375 to $4,794 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 355-mile move yourself.

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Hiring a long-distance moving company from San Diego will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Phoenix to San Diego guide.

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The best San Diego to Phoenix moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from San Diego to Phoenix is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving San Diego to Phoenix.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Phoenix?

San Diego movers charge $200 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 $1,053 - $2,962 $646 - $1,501 $366 - $612
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,798 - $4,794 $1,148 - $2,280 $375 - $786
4+ bedrooms $2,909 - $6,822 $1,581 - $2,958 $479 - $932
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 355 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Phoenix

The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Diego to Phoenix can be as low as $1,053 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,509.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $366 to $801. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from San Diego to Phoenix?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Phoenix will cost between $1,053 to $2,962. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,798 to $4,794, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Phoenix will cost from $2,909 to $6,822.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Phoenix?

Moving containers from San Diego to Phoenix will cost you $646 to $1,501 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,148 to $2,280. A larger home will cost $1,581 to $2,958.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Phoenix?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $366 to $612. A larger move will cost $375 to $786, and a four-bedroom move from San Diego to Phoenix costs from $479 to $932. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from San Diego to Phoenix

Cost of living: San Diego vs Phoenix

San Diego Phoenix
Average rent cost $2,895 $1,795
Average home value $961,892 $417,105
Average income (per capita) $71,251 $63,135
Cost of Living (single person) $3,451 $2,566
Cost of Living (family of 4) $7,610 $5,826
Unemployment rate 6.6% 6.6%
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.6%
State Income Tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Phoenix are 38% lower than in San Diego.
  • Home prices in Phoenix are 56.6% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Phoenix is 11.4% lower than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 25.6% lower than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 23.4% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Phoenix and San Diego.
  • Sales taxes in Phoenix are 10.97% higher than in San Diego.
  • State income taxes in Phoenix are 81.20% lower than in San Diego.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,230.66 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego compared to Phoenix?

Phoenix San Diego
Population 1,608,139 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 41 53
Bike friendliness score 56 43
Crime Index 42.86 23.28
Safety Index 46.6 59.1
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Phoenix's population is about 16% greater than San Diego.
  • Phoenix's public transportation has a similar score to San Diego.
  • Phoenix is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 41 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
  • Phoenix is more bike-friendly than San Diego with a score of 56 out of 100 vs San Diego's 43.
  • Phoenix's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 42.86 compared to San Diego's 23.28. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 42.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28%.
  • Phoenix is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 46.6 vs San Diego's 59.1.
  • Air quality in Phoenix is moderate, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Phoenix

  • Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
  • 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.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Phoenix. 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.

Local San Diego movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
9245 Farnham St, San Diego, CA, 92123
(858) 935-8392
Aloha Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
7263 Engineer Rd ste c, San Diego, CA, 92111
(858) 429-9111

Visit our best long distance movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Phoenix

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Phoenix.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Camelback East
  • Encanto
  • Estrella Village
  • North Gateway
  • South Mountain

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Arcadia/Biltmore
  • Ahwatukee
  • Coronado
  • Gilbert
  • Paradise Valley
  • Scottsdale

What to do in Phoenix

These are some of the best things to do in your new Arizona home.

  • Musical Instrument Museum
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Camelback Mountain
  • Heard Museum
  • South Mountain Park
  • Piestewa Peak
  • Hole in the Rock
  • Papago Park
  • Chase Field
  • Wrigley Mansion
  • Phoenix Art Museum
  • Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Children’s Museum of Phoenix
  • Dobbins Lookout

Get your sports on!

Phoenix is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
  • Phoenix Suns(NBA)
  • Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
  • Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
  • Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
  • Phoenix Rising FC (USLC)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to Phoenix?

The best time to move from San Diego to Phoenix is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Phoenix?

Because most people are moving from San Diego to Phoenix in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Diego to Phoenix take?

The 355-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, takes one-four days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources