($1,383+) Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Scottsdale, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,343 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,955 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,288 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,445, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,955 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,723 - $6,196, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,343 - $3,670.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Scottsdale, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,539 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving options from Washington DC to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,539 - $7,965 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,288 miles and typically takes 7 to 18 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,288-mile route from Washington DC to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,445 for a studio up to $11,955 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,723 - $6,196 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,343 - $3,670, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,535 - $5,373, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
Full-service movers for the 2,288-mile relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $2,445 and $11,955. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $407 - $2,716, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Washington DC typically charge a base rate around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,445 - $5,695
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,539 - $7,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,716 - $11,955
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 Washington DC to Scottsdale.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Scottsdale, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $679 - $6,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $272 - $1,630/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $407 - $3,259 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,358 - $4,074 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,395 - $13,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,017 - $1,932 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,358 - $3,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,086 - $4,753 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $407 - $2,037 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $883 - $2,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $407 - $20,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $407 - $4,753+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Scottsdale?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $1,723 and $6,196. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,723 - $3,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,231 - $4,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,194 - $6,196
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $102 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $204 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Scottsdale, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $951 in Washington DC, MD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland 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 $1,723. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,231 - $4,668, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Scottsdale?
- 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,288 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Scottsdale, Arizona, running $1,343 - $3,670. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $989 - $1,130
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Scottsdale based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,343 - $2,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,993
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 - $3,670
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,343 - $3,670 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Scottsdale. Fuel alone runs ($989 - $1,130) , and overnight lodging ($204/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $204 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Washington DC, Maryland, usually costs about $951 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,288-mile drive falls between $989 and $1,130, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $68 and $407 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Scottsdale?
- 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 Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Scottsdale, Arizona.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,766 and $3,696.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,535 - $3,116
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,766 - $3,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,530 - $5,373
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $951.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $102 and $204 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Scottsdale?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Scottsdale fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Scottsdale, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Scottsdale, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Scottsdale, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $3,300/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $709,486 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $107,372/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 32/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 74.2/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland 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 52 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 2,288-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Washington DC, MD, to Scottsdale, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,445 - $11,955 on the 2,288-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,723 - $6,196 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,343 - $3,670 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,539 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Scottsdale tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and beautiful nature, though tourists and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Honor Health and CVS Health.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Scottsdale, AZ
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($989 - $1,130), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $204/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Scottsdale, AZ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Scottsdale a safe place to live?
Scottsdale has a safety index of 74.2 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.8, compared to 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. 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 Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
