Moving from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ averages from $408 to $5,027 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Tucson, AZ. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

• Best San Diego to Tucson movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Tucson.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego to Tucson car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 406 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 406 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.

The cost to move from San Diego to Tucson will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Diego to Tucson Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Tucson?

To ship furniture from San Diego to Tucson with a mover will cost between $1,062 to $3,133. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $1,872 to $5,027, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Tucson will cost from $3,113 to $7,185.

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

Moving containers from San Diego to Tucson will cost you $665 to $1,593 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,203 to $2,305. A larger home will cost $1,595 to $2,944.

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

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $379 to $696. A larger move will cost $408 to $825, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Tucson costs from $507 to $990.

How to ship a car from San Diego to Tucson?

If you're moving from San Diego to Tucson and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Diego to Tucson car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Tucson

• Rent Prices in Tucson, AZ are 62% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Home Prices in Tucson, AZ are 68.2% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Income in Tucson, AZ is 15.2% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Tucson, AZ is 17.5% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Tucson, AZ is 20.3% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Tucson, AZ is 5.71% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 12.26% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 66.17% lower than in San Diego, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,474.7 in Tucson 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, CA to Tucson, AZ?

• Tucson’s population is about 61% less than San Diego.
• Tucson’s public transportation is better than San Diego with a score of 5 vs 6.
• Tucson is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 43 vs 53.
• Tucson is more bike-friendly than San Diego with a score of 66 vs 43.
• Tucson's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 43.93 compared to 21.98.
• Tucson is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 49.81 vs 62.95.
• Air Quality in Tucson is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Tucson, AZ

• 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 on the state regulator's official website.
• 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 forward to Tucson. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Diego Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Tucson

Moving to The “The Old Pueblo”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Arizona home.

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
• Sabino Canyon
• Pima Air and Space Museum
• Saguaro National Park
• Mission San Xavier del Bac
• Gates Pass
• Madera Canyon
• Catalina State Park
• Tohono Chul
• Tucson Botanical Gardens
• The Gaslight Theatre
• DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
• Cactus Forest Drive
• Reid Park Zoo

Get your sports on!

• University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
• Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
• Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
• FC Tucson (USL)
• Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)
• Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL)

Related articles to your move

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Learn more about Tucson

• What Is The Cost To Move In Tucson?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Arizona?
• Best Moving Companies in Tucson, AZ
• Best Moving Companies in Arizona