($558+) San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $1,191 to $8,369, with an average cost of $2,800. Moves can be as low as $558 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 753 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from San Francisco to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,191 - $8,369 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 753 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 753-mile route from San Francisco to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,191 - $4,713, container $1,063 - $1,992, rental truck $587 - $1,060, freight trailer $1,046 - $1,776.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,298 - $5,761, container $1,492 - $2,791, rental truck $608 - $1,234, freight trailer $1,182 - $2,255.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,034 - $8,369, container $1,924 - $3,525, rental truck $800 - $1,481, freight trailer $1,524 - $3,053.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers for the 753-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,191 and $8,369. 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 $577 - $3,844, 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 Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $4,713
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,298 - $5,761
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,034 - $8,369
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 Francisco to Phoenix.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Phoenix, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $961 - $9,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $384 - $2,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $577 - $4,613 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,922 - $5,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,805 - $19,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,440 - $2,735 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,922 - $4,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,538 - $6,727 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $577 - $2,883 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,249 - $3,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $577 - $28,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $577 - $6,727+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Phoenix?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,063 and $3,525. 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 Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,063 - $1,992
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,492 - $2,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,924 - $3,525
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Phoenix, 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 $1,345 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $144 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $288 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 $1,063. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,492 - $2,791, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Phoenix?
- 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 753-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, costs between $587 and $1,481, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $460 - $526
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $587 - $1,060
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $608 - $1,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $800 - $1,481
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Phoenix looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $587 - $1,481. But once you factor in fuel ($460 - $526) , overnight lodging ($288/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $288 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,345 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 753-mile drive falls between $460 and $526, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $96 and $577 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Phoenix?
- 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 Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Francisco, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,182 and $2,255.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,046 - $1,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,524 - $3,053
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $144 - $288 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Francisco, California, typically costs $1,345.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Phoenix?
- 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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Phoenix, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $380,294 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $77,041/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 46.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Phoenix, AZ to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 753-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,191 - $8,369 on the 753-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,063 - $3,525 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $587 - $1,481 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,298 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Phoenix, AZ
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Phoenix a safe place to live?
Phoenix has a safety index of 46.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.06, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, 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 $608 - $1,234. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Phoenix?
For families, Arcadia/Biltmore, Ahwatukee, and Coronado are worth a look in Phoenix. If you're moving solo or without kids, Camelback East, Encanto, and Estrella Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
