San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Tempe typically costs $2,700–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 761 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Tempe
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ typically costs $2,700–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 761-mile move from San Francisco to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $5,198 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,310 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,192 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($600–$1,700) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Tempe movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Tempe
If you want to simplify your interstate move from San Francisco to Tempe, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→AZ movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 44% higher for singles and -22% higher for families than San Francisco.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $3,781 in San Francisco; families pay $6,810 compared with $8,717.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Francisco | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- If you're heading to Tempe from San Francisco, you'll find that rent is roughly 44% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 62% less in Tempe than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 53% lower in Tempe compared to San Francisco.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 44% higher than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Tempe can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 22% less than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rates of Tempe and San Francisco are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 6% in Tempe compared to San Francisco, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 81% less in Arizona than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and Tempe:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Francisco than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Tempe.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Tempe.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Tempe.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Tempe
| San Francisco | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 75 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 78% less than San Francisco.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Tempe is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 54 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Tempe's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 42.36 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 57.64 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that you've decided to make the move to Tempe, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tempe.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in Arizona, it's time to get out and discover what Tempe has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tempe, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Tempe?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Tempe is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Tempe?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Tempe, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Tempe take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ covers 761 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tempe.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 70 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 63 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
