Quick answer: The cost to move from Washington DC to Phoenix ranges from $1,616 to $8,366 and the journey will take approximately seven to 18 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,301-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Phoenix to Washington DC guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
From Maryland to Arizona, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Washington DC has 65 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.
After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Washington DC for every moving option.
Professional
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Container
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Rental truck
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Phoenix
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Washington DC to Phoenix far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Washington DC?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to AZ move
Local moving companies servicing Washington DC to Phoenix moves
When planning a move from Washington DC to Phoenix, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Washington DC who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Washington DC to Phoenix.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services, BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Phoenix?
Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,379 - $5,772 | $1,421 - $3,668 | $1,536 - $2,941 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,118 - $8,366 | $2,602 - $4,970 | $1,616 - $3,569 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,661 - $12,547 | $3,366 - $6,808 | $2,000 - $4,251 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to Arizona
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maryland to Arizona will cost between $1,379 and $5,772. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MD to AZ will range from $4,118 to $8,366, and a large move from Maryland to Arizona will cost from $7,661 to $12,547.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Arizona
If you're moving from Maryland to Arizona, expect to pay between $1,421 and $3,668 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,602 up to $4,970. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,366 and $6,808. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to Arizona
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,536 and $2,941. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,616 to $3,569. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,000 and $4,251.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Phoenix
Looking to trim monthly costs? Phoenix usually runs cheaper than Washington DC — about 40% for singles and 53% for families.
Singles average $2,369 in Phoenix vs. $3,963 in Washington DC; families see $5,226 vs. $11,093.
The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 29% lower than in Washington DC, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
Home prices in Phoenix are 30.8% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Phoenix is 36.5% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix — including the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Phoenix. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 40.2% lower than in Washington DC.
- A move to Phoenix can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52.9% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 5.71% lower than in Washington DC.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Phoenix, since its sales taxes are 43.33% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.52% lower than in Washington DC.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Washington DC with Phoenix.
Washington DC | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $191.62 | $256.54 |
Cell phone plan | $65.8 | $75.22 |
Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.75 |
Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.18 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25 | $20 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120 | $80 |
Gym membership | $103.76 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 672,079 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 9 |
Walkability score | 41 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 70 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 139% greater than Washington DC, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Phoenix without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Phoenix has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Phoenix neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isn't as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Phoenix, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, Phoenix earned a 56. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Phoenix has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 53.06 and Washington DC's 60.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Phoenix than in Washington DC, based on Phoenix's safety index of 46.94 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Phoenix isn't as good as it is in Washington DC, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Phoenix has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Washington DC is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Phoenix move
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Phoenix. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Phoenix
Ready to relocate to Arizona's Urban Heart? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Phoenix?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Phoenix is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Phoenix in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Phoenix take?
The 2,301-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Phoenix, AZ, takes seven to 18 days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Phoenix.
Are there special savings available from movers in Washington DC?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 6 have discounts for military personnel. 11 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Which movers in Washington DC offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 51 movers in Washington DC have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 37 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MD, there are 35 piano movers and 28 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 1919 and 1190.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.