($1,523+) Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,523 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,648 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,295 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 $2,668, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,648 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,938 - $7,322, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,523 - $4,168.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,939 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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In the past 3 months, we've processed over 338 real quotes from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Washington DC to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,939 - $8,181 on this route, with movers handling 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,295-mile route from Washington DC to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,668 - $6,525 with full-service movers, $1,938 - $3,664 with a container, $1,523 - $2,970 with a rental truck, or $1,709 - $3,397 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,939 - $8,181 full-service, $2,409 - $5,351 by container, $1,520 - $3,400 by rental truck, or $1,947 - $4,156 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,102 - $12,648 full-service, $3,551 - $7,322 by container, $2,020 - $4,168 by rental truck, or $2,869 - $5,857 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $2,668 and $12,648. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,295-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $407 - $2,716, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Washington DC and Tempe.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,668 - $6,525
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,939 - $8,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,102 - $12,648
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 Tempe.
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: 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. Here's what each add-on and specialty service typically runs from Washington DC to Tempe, with prices localized to Washington DC costs.
- Full packing: $679 - $6,790 if you want the crew to box everything.
- Storage in transit: $272 - $1,630/mo if your new place isn't ready on arrival.
- Shuttle fee: $407 - $3,259 when a full-size truck can't reach the door.
- Full-value protection: $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) for coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb.
- Small moves: $1,358 - $4,074 for shipments under about 2,000 lbs.
- Office / commercial: $3,395 - $13,580 for a workplace relocation.
- Car shipping: $1,017 - $1,932 to move a second vehicle.
- Antiques & fine art: $1,358 - $3,395 for climate control and white-glove handling.
- Piano: $1,086 - $4,753 for an upright, baby grand, or grand.
- Pool table: $407 - $2,037 for disassembly and professional re-leveling.
- Hot tub: $883 - $2,716 for 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect.
- Wine collection: $407 - $20,370+ for climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport.
- Pet relocation: $407 - $4,753+ for ground, air, or VIP concierge service.
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Tempe?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Washington DC, MD. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,938 and $7,322. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,938 - $3,664
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,409 - $5,351
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,551 - $7,322
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $951 in Washington DC, MD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $102 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $204 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tempe, AZ, destination before booking.
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 $1,938. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,409 - $5,351, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Tempe?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 2,295-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $1,523 and $4,168, depending on truck size. You're responsible for loading your belongings at pickup, driving the full 2,295 miles yourself, and unloading at your destination. On top of the base rate, expect to pay for fuel ($992 - $1,133 for the drive), insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27).
Rental moving trucks typically range from 10 - 26 feet, with 15- to 17-foot trucks being the most commonly used for the average 2-bedroom move. Smaller trucks (10 - 12 feet) work well for studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes, while homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet or larger generally need diesel fuel, which can drive up your total fuel costs.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,523 - $2,970
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,520 - $3,400
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,020 - $4,168
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,523 - $4,168 does not include fuel ($992 - $1,133) , lodging ($204/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Tempe typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
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 2,295-mile drive falls between $992 and $1,133, 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 Tempe?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,947 and $4,156.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,709 - $3,397
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,947 - $4,156
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,869 - $5,857
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $102 and $204.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly five hours typically average $951.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.62/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tempe quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 2.5% |
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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Tempe, AZ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,668 - $12,648 on the 2,295-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,938 - $7,322, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,523 - $4,168. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,939 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
How to plan your move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your Washington DC to Tempe move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your Washington DC to Tempe move.
FAQ
What is the best time to move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
For the best combination of price and availability, plan your move between October and March. Moving demand slows down considerably in the off-season, which typically means lower rates and more scheduling flexibility across all service types on this route.
Peak season (mid-May through mid-September) brings higher prices and tighter availability. If that's when you need to move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, booking early and choosing a midweek date away from the end of the month can help you avoid the worst of the price spikes.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is the lowest-cost option for moving from Washington DC to Tempe, with a 2-bedroom rental truck averaging $1,520 - $3,400 on this route. Browse our cheapest truck rental recommendations to compare base rates and find the right fit for your DIY move.
Just remember that fuel ($992 - $1,133), daily insurance ($41/day), equipment rentals ($10 - $27), and overnight lodging ($204/night) stack on top of the base rate. Add up the full picture before deciding it's the right move for your relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona.
How much does it typically cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
Moving costs on this route run anywhere from $2,668 - $12,648, depending on your home size and what kind of help you hire. A small apartment using a rental truck lands near the lower end, while a large home with full-service movers falls closer to the top.
Full-service movers for a move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, generally range from $2,668 - $12,648. DIY options like containers and trucks cost less upfront but come with additional expenses that can close the gap.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ take?
Most full-service and container moves on this route are completed within 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. That window reflects how carriers typically consolidate multiple shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps costs reasonable.
If speed and a predictable delivery window are priorities, freight trailers are the fastest option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself. The tradeoff is that freight carriers expect you to be ready to receive your shipment quickly, so it's not the best fit if you need storage or your new place won't be ready right away.
If you're driving a rental truck from Washington DC, Maryland, to Tempe, Arizona, the timeline is entirely up to you. Just plan for drive time and any overnight stops along the way.
What should I know before moving from Washington DC, MD to Tempe, AZ?
If you can trim 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, you can save approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
It also pays to get organized early. A thorough moving checklist keeps you on track with booking deadlines, packing timelines, and everything else that needs to happen before the truck pulls up.
