($330+) San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,036 to $6,917, with an average cost of $2,100. Moves can be as low as $330 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 356 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.
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Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from San Diego to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,036 - $6,917 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 356 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 356-mile route from San Diego to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,036 for a studio up to $6,917 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $866 - $2,664 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $344 - $926, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $803 - $2,241, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Full-service movers for the 356-mile relocation from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,036 and $6,917. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $415 - $2,764, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in San Diego typically charge a base rate around $226 plus $200 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,036 - $3,690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,701 - $4,769
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,618 - $6,917
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 Tempe.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing86% of local movers | $691 - $6,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp | $276 - $1,658/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $415 - $3,317 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,382 - $4,146 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,455 - $13,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,035 - $1,967 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Grizzly Moving | $1,382 - $3,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: One Stop Moving & Storage | $1,106 - $4,837 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $415 - $2,073 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationally | $898 - $2,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $415 - $20,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $415 - $4,837+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 Tempe with a local mover averages $1,752 - $4,912. Working with a local mover based in San Diego, CA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
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 Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $866 and $2,664. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Diego costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $866 - $1,520
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,466 - $2,664
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Diego, CA and Tempe, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $967 in San Diego, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $104 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $207 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $866. 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 $1,097 - $2,093.
What are the best moving containers San Diego to Tempe?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Tempe, AZ
Truck rentals from San Diego, California, to Tempe, Arizona, range from $344 - $926 for the 356-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $157 - $179
- 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 size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $344 - $622
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $359 - $723
- 4+ bedrooms: $431 - $926
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Diego to Tempe looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $344 - $926. But once you factor in fuel ($157 - $179), overnight lodging ($207/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $157 - $179 for the 356-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 356-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 Tempe?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Tempe, AZ
If you're moving a larger household from San Diego, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tempe, Arizona.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $922 and $1,795.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $803 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $922 - $1,795
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,196 - $2,241
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Diego, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $967.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $104 and $207 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Diego to Tempe. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 356-mile move.
Our take
The 356-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Tempe, AZ, costs between $1,036 and $6,917 with full-service movers, $866 - $2,664 with a moving container, and $344 - $926 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,701 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Tempe, AZ
How much does it cost to move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $330 to $6,917, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,036 and $6,917, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in San Diego?
Local movers based in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate, plus $200/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.