Rochester, NY to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Tempe typically costs $3,600–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,258 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Rochester to Tempe
Moving from Rochester, NY to Tempe, AZ typically costs $3,600–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,258-mile move from Rochester to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,415 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,659 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,844 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Rochester to Tempe move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $11,800 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Rochester.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,400 to $3,900, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Tempe movers by type
Professional
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Local
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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 Rochester to Tempe
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Rochester to Tempe much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NY→AZ movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 148 New York movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 139% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Rochester.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $2,274 in Rochester; families pay $6,810 compared with $4,921.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Rochester | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 2.5% |
- Planning a move to Tempe? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 47% higher than in Rochester, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Tempe are about 135% higher than those in Rochester.
- In terms of average income, Tempe and Rochester are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Tempe, as living costs for a single person are 139% higher than in Rochester. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 38% higher than in Rochester.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is about 45% lower than in Rochester. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Tempe and Rochester (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Arizona are 77% below those in New York. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Rochester and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Rochester than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Rochester than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Rochester than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in Rochester than in Tempe.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Tempe
| Rochester | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 75 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 15% less than Rochester.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Rochester's score of 6.
- Tempe is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Rochester, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 42.36 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 57.64 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Tempe move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tempe
Planning your move to Tempe? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After settling into your new Arizona home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tempe features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Tempe?
Planning your move from Rochester to Tempe? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Tempe?
Because most people are moving from Rochester to Tempe in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Rochester to Tempe take?
The 2,258-mile journey from Rochester, NY to Tempe, AZ, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Rochester offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tempe.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Rochester?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Rochester, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, New York has 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
