($904) Cost to Move From San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ

1. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Dominant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Tempe

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Tempe, you can expect to spend between $904 and $2,961. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,640 to $4,553 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Diego to Tempe typically runs between $2,735 and $6,157.

Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Tempe

When moving from San Diego to Tempe, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $620 and $1,483. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,058 to $2,060. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,370 up to $2,728. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Tempe

Renting a moving truck in San Diego is usually your cheapest option to get to Tempe. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $318 and $569. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $353 and $676. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $420 and $893.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 36% lower in Tempe than in San Diego, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 53% lower in Tempe than in San Diego.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 12% less in Tempe than in San Diego.
• Plan for higher expenses in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person is 62% more than in San Diego. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• Moving to Tempe could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 12% less than in San Diego.
• Tempe experiences an unemployment rate that is about 18% lower than that of San Diego. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Tempe and San Diego (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Tempe’s population is about 87% less than San Diego.
• Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than San Diego’s score of 6.
• Tempe and San Diego are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Tempe’s crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 42.36 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
• Tempe and San Diego have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.64 and 60.17.
• Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tempe smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it’s time to see what Tempe is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tempe offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.