($1,127+) Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,210 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,719 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,958 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,581, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,719 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,615 - $5,966, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,210 - $3,300.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,837 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Ann Arbor to Tempe: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,837 - $7,897. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,958-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,958-mile route from Ann Arbor to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,581 - $5,584 | $1,615 - $3,220 | $1,210 - $2,401 | $1,439 - $2,730 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,837 - $7,897 | $2,239 - $4,425 | $1,221 - $2,858 | $1,757 - $3,470 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,541 - $11,719 | $2,977 - $5,966 | $1,539 - $3,300 | $2,289 - $4,914 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,958-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $2,581 - $11,719. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $326 - $2,176 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Ann Arbor and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Ann Arbor movers tend to run around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,581 - $5,584
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,837 - $7,897
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,541 - $11,719
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 Ann Arbor to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Bos Moving & Services, Inc. | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,615 and $5,966. 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. Need more time first? Storage in Ann Arbor typically costs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,615 - $3,220
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,239 - $4,425
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,977 - $5,966
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $82 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $163 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tempe, 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 $762 in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Michigan 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 $1,615. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,239 - $4,425, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor to Tempe?
- 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:
- Handle With Care Moving (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.7/5), 31 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
Plan on $1,210 - $3,300 for a rental moving truck on the 1,958-mile route from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Tempe, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $678 - $775
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Ann Arbor to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,210 - $2,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,221 - $2,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,539 - $3,300
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Ann Arbor to Tempe starts at $1,210 - $3,300, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($678 - $775) , overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $163 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $71 and $354 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $678 - $775 in fuel for the 1,958-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $762 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Tempe?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tempe, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,757 and $3,470.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,439 - $2,730
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,470
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,289 - $4,914
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $762.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $163 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor 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.
- XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. 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: Ann Arbor, MI vs Tempe, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Ann Arbor and Tempe to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 113. Average rent: $2,260/mo vs. $1,834/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 52 vs. 54. Safety index: 79.18 vs. 57.64.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan 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 84 movers based in Michigan, handy for sizing up options on this 1,958-mile route.
Our take
The 1,958-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ, costs between $2,581 and $11,719 with full-service movers, $1,615 - $5,966 with a moving container, and $1,210 - $3,300 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,837 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Tempe, AZ
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, 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 Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, compared to 79.18 and 31.0 in Ann Arbor. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Tempe, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,221 - $2,858. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
