($343+) San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ ranges from $927 to $6,375, with an average cost of $2,050. Moves can be as low as $343 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 364 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

Moving options from San Diego to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $927 - $6,375 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 364 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 364-mile route from San Diego to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $927 - $3,756 $830 - $1,502 $323 - $639 $778 - $1,366
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,801 - $4,477 $1,072 - $2,047 $358 - $714 $920 - $1,791
4+ bedrooms $2,829 - $6,375 $1,404 - $2,606 $439 - $845 $1,135 - $2,150

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

For the 364-mile move from San Diego, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $927 and $6,375. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $415 - $2,764 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in San Diego generally start around $226 plus $200 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Scottsdale:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $927 - $3,756
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,801 - $4,477
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,829 - $6,375

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Diego to Scottsdale.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Scottsdale, 66% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing87% of local movers$691 - $6,910
Storage in transitNew place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery$276 - $1,658/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$415 - $3,317
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,382 - $4,146
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,455 - $13,820
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,035 - $1,967
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery$1,382 - $3,455
PianoAny piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery$1,106 - $4,837
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers$415 - $2,073
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA)$898 - $2,764
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$415 - $20,730+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$415 - $4,837+

What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Scottsdale?

Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

How much do local movers cost in San Diego, CA?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from San Diego to Scottsdale with a local mover averages $1,711 - $4,254. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in San Diego, CA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.

That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.

Best California Movers (4.5/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in San Diego, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,231 customers, 98.1% of which is positive.

Address: 12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA, 92064 | Founded: 2018

Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $830 and $2,606. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Diego runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Scottsdale:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $830 - $1,502
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,047
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,404 - $2,606

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $967 in San Diego, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $104 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $207 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Scottsdale, AZ, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $830. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,072 - $2,047.

What are the best moving containers San Diego to Scottsdale?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Diego to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Diego:

  • 24/7 Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 14 years in business
  • Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc (5.0/5), 8 years in business
  • Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

Renting a moving truck for the 364-mile move from San Diego, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, costs between $323 and $845, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $160 - $183
  • Daily insurance: $41/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
  • San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Scottsdale based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $323 - $639
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $358 - $714
  • 4+ bedrooms: $439 - $845

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Diego to Scottsdale starts at $323 - $845, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($160 - $183), overnight lodging ($207/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $160 - $183 for the 364-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in San Diego, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $967.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 364-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $207 per night, adding $415 - $622 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $69 and $415.

What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Scottsdale?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,244 and $1,791.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Scottsdale:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $778 - $1,366
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $920 - $1,791
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,135 - $2,150

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $104 and $207.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in San Diego, California, for roughly five hours typically average $967.

What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Scottsdale?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Scottsdale, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure San Diego, CA Scottsdale, AZ
Cost of living index155113
Average rent$2,881/mo$3,300/mo
Median home value$847,715$709,486
Average income$104,321/yr$107,372/yr
Unemployment rate6.6%4.7%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 2.5%
Walkability score53/10032/100
Safety index60.17/10074.2/100
Air qualityModerateGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Scottsdale, AZ to San Diego, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 364-mile move.

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Our take

A move from San Diego, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $927 - $6,375 on the 364-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $830 - $2,606, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $323 - $845. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,801 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Scottsdale tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and beautiful nature, though tourists and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Honor Health and CVS Health.

FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ

What is the best time of year to move from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($160 - $183), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $207/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $358 - $714. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego, CA to Scottsdale, AZ?

Costs on this route range from around $343 to $6,375, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $927 and $6,375, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 52% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.