Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Tempe typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,865 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Columbus to Tempe
Moving from Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,865-mile move from Columbus to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,556 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,980 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,880 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbus to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbus to Tempe may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbus.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,300–$3,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH guide.
Best Columbus to Tempe movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Columbus to Tempe
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Columbus to Tempe. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 OH→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Ohio moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 95% higher for singles and -6% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $2,784 in Columbus; families pay $6,810 compared with $7,249.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 27% more expensive in Tempe than in Columbus. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 97% steeper in Tempe compared to Columbus.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Tempe and Columbus are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tempe, with the cost of living for a single person being 95% more than in Columbus. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- A move to Tempe can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 6% lower compared to Columbus.
- Tempe and Columbus have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes in Tempe surpass those in Columbus by 8%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 29% less in Arizona compared to Ohio, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbus versus Tempe:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Tempe.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Tempe.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Tempe.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Tempe
| Columbus | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 75 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 80% less than Columbus.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbus's score of 5.
- Tempe is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 42.36 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 57.64 vs Columbus's 50.35.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Columbus it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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 Tempe. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tempe
With your sights set on Tempe, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tempe. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbus to Tempe. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Tempe?
Want to save on your move from Columbus to Tempe? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbus to Tempe take?
The 1,865-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Tempe, AZ, takes five to 16 days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tempe.
What kinds of discounts do Columbus movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 movers offer special pricing for military members. 6 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbus?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Columbus provide piano moving services. 11 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
