($1,226) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Tempe, AZ

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Tempe

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Tempe typically costs between $1,226 and $4,739. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,148 and $6,470 when moving from Chicago to Tempe. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Tempe, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,246 up to $9,372.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Tempe

If you’re relocating from Chicago to Tempe, you’ll typically spend between $1,057 and $2,686 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,886 up to $3,851. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,651 and $5,117. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tempe

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Tempe move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $979 and $2,038. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,091 to $2,217. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,349 and $2,796.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Tempe from Chicago, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 10% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 59% higher in Tempe than in Chicago.
• Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Tempe than in Chicago.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Tempe, as the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 49% greater than in Chicago. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• Relocating to Tempe could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 27% lower than in Chicago.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 40% lower than Chicago, Tempe boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 21% lower in Tempe than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are 49% lower in Arizona than in Illinois. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Tempe’s population is about 93% less than Chicago.
• Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Tempe is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Both Tempe and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 75), meaning Tempe is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Tempe’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.36 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Tempe is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.64 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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 check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tempe without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

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

Now that you’ve made the move to Arizona, it’s the perfect time to explore Tempe. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tempe include museums and art centers like 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.