Moving from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Tucson, AZ averages from $631 to $5,847 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 Jose guide.

• Best San Jose to Tucson movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Jose 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 Jose to Tucson car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 823 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Jose 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 823 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 Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose to Tucson?

To ship furniture from San Jose to Tucson with a mover will cost between $1,196 to $4,243. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,373 to $5,847, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Jose to Tucson will cost from $4,040 to $8,053.

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

Moving containers from San Jose to Tucson will cost you $799 to $1,939 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,437 to $2,831. A larger home will cost $1,930 to $3,695.

How much is a moving truck from San Jose 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 $584 to $1,101. A larger move will cost $631 to $1,308, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Jose to Tucson costs from $790 to $1,587.

How to ship a car from San Jose to Tucson?

If you're moving from San Jose to Tucson and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Jose 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 Jose, CA to Tucson, AZ a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Jose vs Tucson

• Rent Prices in Tucson, AZ are 64% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Home Prices in Tucson, AZ are 79.2% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Income in Tucson, AZ is 24.9% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Tucson, AZ is 17.9% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Tucson, AZ is 20.7% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Tucson, AZ is 5.71% higher than in San Jose, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 7.25% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 66.17% lower than in San Jose, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,462.7 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How is life different in San Jose, CA to Tucson, AZ?

• Tucson’s population is about 46% less than San Jose.
• Tucson’s public transportation is better than San Jose with a score of 5 vs 7.
• Tucson is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 43 vs 51.
• Tucson is more bike-friendly than San Jose with a score of 66 vs 62.
• Tucson's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 43.93 compared to 28.18.
• Tucson is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 49.81 vs 53.91.
• Air Quality in Tucson is Good, and in San Jose it’s Good.

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 Jose Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Jose 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