Quick answer: A typical 1,974-mile move from Detroit to Scottsdale runs $1,533–$9,041 and takes five to 16 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Scottsdale to Detroit guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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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 Detroit to Scottsdale
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Detroit to Scottsdale isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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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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How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to AZ move
The top local movers servicing Detroit to Scottsdale moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Detroit that also handles long-distance moves to Scottsdale. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Detroit who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Detroit to Scottsdale.
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 279708
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
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
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Scottsdale?
Detroit movers charge $100 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 | $1,571 - $6,504 | $1,414 - $3,358 | $1,430 - $2,620 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,274 - $9,041 | $2,493 - $5,385 | $1,533 - $3,150 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,048 - $13,700 | $3,344 - $6,907 | $2,030 - $4,176 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Arizona
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Michigan to Arizona, you can expect prices to land between $1,571 and $6,504. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,274 to $9,041 for the trip from MI to AZ. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,048 and $13,700.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Arizona
Moving containers from Michigan to Arizona will cost you $1,414 to $3,358 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,493 to $5,385. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,344 to $6,907. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Arizona
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,430 to $2,620. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,533 to $3,150, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to Arizona costs around $2,030 to $4,176.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Scottsdale
What to know before moving from Detroit to Scottsdale
Moving from Detroit to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Detroit, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Detroit | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Scottsdale, since prices are typically 164% higher than in Detroit.
- The home prices in Scottsdale are 1,030.9% higher than in Detroit, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Scottsdale, where incomes are, on average, 70.9% higher than in Detroit. Major employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Scottsdale, since the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 130.1% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Scottsdale 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 31.7% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 48.12% lower than in Detroit.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Scottsdale, since its sales taxes are 34.17% higher than what you are paying in Detroit.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,903.60 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Scottsdale's population is about 62% less than Detroit.
- Scottsdale's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Scottsdale is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Scottsdale's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 25.8 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 74.2 vs Detroit's 27.08.
- Air quality in Scottsdale is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Scottsdale move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Scottsdale. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Ready to relocate to West's Most Western Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
Once you're settled into your new home in Arizona, it's time to get out and discover what Scottsdale has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Scottsdale, such as the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Scottsdale?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Scottsdale. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Scottsdale?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit to Scottsdale moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Detroit to Scottsdale take?
Covering 1,974 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ typically takes five to 16 days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Scottsdale can help bridge the gap.