Moving from Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ: Movers and Cost

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ averages from $672 to $5,965 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Tucson, AZ. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Tucson to Austin guide.

Moving 895 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Austin to Tucson?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,202 - $4,501 $825 - $2,004 $623 - $1,177
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,446 - $5,965 $1,482 - $2,929 $672 - $1,398
4+ bedrooms $4,103 - $8,061 $1,992 - $3,835 $843 - $1,699

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 895 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Austin to Tucson will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Get instant ballpark pricing It's fast, easy, and free

Get instant ballpark pricing. Fast, easy, and free

Who Are The Best Austin to Tucson Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company Quote Rating Price
Safeway Moving
Best Overall Value
Get A Quote
     
4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines
American Van Lines
Best industry reputation
Get A Quote
     
4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines
International Van Lines
Best customer service
Get A Quote
     
4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to Tucson?

To ship furniture from Austin to Tucson with a mover will cost between $1,202 to $4,501. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,446 to $5,965, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Austin to Tucson will cost from $4,103 to $8,061.

How much are moving container companies from Austin to Tucson?

Moving containers from Austin to Tucson will cost you $825 to $2,004 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,482 to $2,929. A larger home will cost $1,992 to $3,835.

How much is a moving truck from Austin to Tucson?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $623 to $1,177. A larger move will cost $672 to $1,398, and a 4+ bedroom move from Austin to Tucson costs from $843 to $1,699.

How to ship a car from Austin to Tucson?

If you're moving from Austin to Tucson and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Austin to Tucson car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ a good idea?

Cost of Living: Austin vs Tucson

Austin Tucson
Average rent cost $1,585 $895
Average home value $625,905 $300,294
Average income (per capita) $60,065 $56,826
Cost of Living (single person) $896 $848
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,185 $2,936
Unemployment rate 3.5% 7.4%
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.7%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.5%
  • Rent Prices in Tucson, AZ are 44% lower than in Austin, TX.
  • Home Prices in Tucson, AZ are 52.0% lower than in Austin, TX.
  • Income in Tucson, AZ is 5.4% lower than in Austin, TX.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Tucson, AZ is 5.4% lower than in Austin, TX.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Tucson, AZ is 7.8% lower than in Austin, TX.
  • Unemployment rate in Tucson, AZ is 111.43% higher than in Austin, TX.
  • Sales Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 5.45% higher than in Austin, TX.
  • State Income Taxes in Tucson, AZ are 4.50% higher than in Austin, TX.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,839.3 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.

How is life different in Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ?

Tucson Austin
Population 542,629 961,855
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 43 41
Bike friendliness score 66 54
Crime Index 43.93 42.91
Safety Index 49.81 59.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tucson’s population is about 44% less than Austin.
  • Tucson’s public transportation has a similar score to Austin.
  • Tucson is more walkable than Austin with a score of 43 vs 41.
  • Tucson is more bike-friendly than Austin with a score of 66 vs 54.
  • Tucson's crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 43.93 compared to 42.91.
  • Tucson is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 49.81 vs 59.87.
  • Air Quality in Tucson is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Tucson, AZ

  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Tucson. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Austin Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Square Cow Get A Quote      
5 overall rating
2500 Brushy Creek Loop, Cedar Park, TX, 78613
(512) 975-4400
Unicorn Moving & Storage Get A Quote      
4.76 overall rating
102 Victor Street, Austin, TX, 78753
(512) 339-9922

Visit our Best Movers in Austin page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Tucson

Moving to The “The Old Pueblo”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Arizona home.

  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Pima Air and Space Museum
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Mission San Xavier del Bac
  • Gates Pass
  • Madera Canyon
  • Catalina State Park
  • Tohono Chul
  • Tucson Botanical Gardens
  • The Gaslight Theatre
  • DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
  • Cactus Forest Drive
  • Reid Park Zoo

Get your sports on!

Tucson is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
  • Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
  • Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
  • FC Tucson (USL)
  • Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)
  • Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL)

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