($538+) San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,219 to $8,146, with an average cost of $2,800. Moves can be as low as $538 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 761 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 Tempe, AZ
Moving options from San Francisco to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,219 - $8,146 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 761 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 761-mile route from San Francisco to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,219 - $4,369, container $1,057 - $1,998, rental truck $533 - $982, freight trailer $951 - $1,799.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,354 - $5,669, container $1,397 - $2,664, rental truck $563 - $1,142, freight trailer $1,074 - $2,174.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,086 - $8,146, container $1,728 - $3,400, rental truck $720 - $1,443, freight trailer $1,440 - $2,748.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 761-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $1,219 - $8,146. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $577 - $3,844 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Francisco movers tend to run around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $4,369
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,354 - $5,669
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,086 - $8,146
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 Tempe.
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: 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.
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 Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 86% 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 ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $384 - $2,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $577 - $4,613 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items69% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,922 - $4,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,538 - $6,727 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $577 - $2,883 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Cross Country Moving Company | $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 Tempe?
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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Francisco, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,057 and $3,400. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tempe. If you go over that window, storage in San Francisco adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,057 - $1,998
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,664
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,400
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, 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 $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 $1,057. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,397 - $2,664, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 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:
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 761 miles from San Francisco, California, to Tempe, Arizona, running $533 - $1,443. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $465 - $532
- 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 Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $533 - $982
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $563 - $1,142
- 4+ bedrooms: $720 - $1,443
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Tempe looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $533 - $1,443. But once you factor in fuel ($465 - $532) , 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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $465 - $532 for the 761-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 Francisco, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,345.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 761-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $288 per night, adding $577 - $865 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $96 and $577.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA to Tempe, AZ
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,074 and $2,174.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $951 - $1,799
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,074 - $2,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,440 - $2,748
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?
- 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 Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,345.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $144 and $288 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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 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 Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 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 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 377 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 761-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 761-mile route from San Francisco, CA, to Tempe, AZ, run $1,219 - $8,146 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,057 - $3,400, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $533 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,354, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Tempe, AZ
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Francisco, CA to Tempe, 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 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 is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Tempe, 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 $563 - $1,142. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, 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 percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 69% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.