($1,121+) Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Scottsdale, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,121 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,974 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 $2,563, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,573 - $5,751, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,121 - $3,309.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Scottsdale, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,419 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving options from Detroit to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,419 - $7,614 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,974-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,974-mile route from Detroit to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,563 - $5,385 | $1,573 - $2,895 | $1,121 - $2,249 | $1,445 - $2,794 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,419 - $7,614 | $2,035 - $3,973 | $1,288 - $2,520 | $1,595 - $3,178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,243 - $11,299 | $2,647 - $5,751 | $1,546 - $3,309 | $2,274 - $4,645 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Detroit, Michigan, to Scottsdale, Arizona, costs between $2,563 and $11,299. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,974-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $301 - $2,008, 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 Detroit and Scottsdale. For a rough baseline, movers based in Detroit tend to start around $248 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,563 - $5,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,419 - $7,614
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,243 - $11,299
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 Detroit to Scottsdale.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Scottsdale, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Powell Relocation Group (MI) | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Detroit to Scottsdale?
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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Detroit, MI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $1,573 and $5,751. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Detroit runs about $85/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,573 - $2,895
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,035 - $3,973
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,647 - $5,751
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 $703 in Detroit, MI. 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 $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $151 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 Scottsdale, AZ, destination before booking.
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 $1,573. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,035 - $3,973.
What are the best moving containers Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.6/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
Plan on $1,121 - $3,309 for a rental moving truck on the 1,974-mile route from Detroit, Michigan, to Scottsdale, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $631 - $721
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Detroit daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Detroit to Scottsdale based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,121 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,520
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,546 - $3,309
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,121 - $3,309 does not include fuel ($631 - $721), lodging ($151/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Detroit to Scottsdale typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $151 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 Detroit, Michigan, usually costs about $703 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,974-mile drive falls between $631 and $721, 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 $50 and $301 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit 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 Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Detroit, 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 Scottsdale, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,595 and $3,178.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,445 - $2,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,595 - $3,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,274 - $4,645
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $151 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Detroit, Michigan, typically costs $703.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Scottsdale?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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 Scottsdale 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: Detroit, MI 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 Detroit on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Detroit, MI | Scottsdale, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $3,300/mo |
| Median home value | $79,675 | $709,486 |
| Average income | $39,575/yr | $107,372/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 32/100 |
| Safety index | 27.08/100 | 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 Detroit, MI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Arizona, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Michigan alone has 151 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,974-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Detroit, MI, to Scottsdale, 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 $2,563 - $11,299 on the 1,974-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,573 - $5,751, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,121 - $3,309. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,419 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Detroit, MI, to Scottsdale, AZ
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Detroit?
Local movers based in Detroit typically start around $248 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Scottsdale run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale?
For families, McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch, and Grayhawk are worth a look in Scottsdale. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch, and Kierland tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Detroit, MI to Scottsdale, 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 $1,288 - $2,520. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.