Top-rated local movers that handle Houston to Phoenix moves
When planning a move from Houston to Phoenix, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 49 local movers in Houston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Houston to Phoenix.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Phoenix?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,191 – $4,751 | $855 – $2,262 | $747 – $1,409 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,751 – $6,091 | $1,625 – $3,163 | $831 – $1,744 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,696 – $7,957 | $2,136 – $4,271 | $955 – $2,023 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Phoenix
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Phoenix, you can expect to spend between $1,191 and $4,751. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,751 to $6,091 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Houston to Phoenix typically runs between $4,696 and $7,957.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Phoenix
When moving from Houston to Phoenix, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $855 and $2,262. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,625 to $3,163. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,136 up to $4,271. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Phoenix
Renting a moving truck in Houston is usually your cheapest option to get to Phoenix. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $747 and $1,409. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $831 and $1,744. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $955 and $2,023.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Houston to Phoenix
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,474, but larger homes can run up to $7,541.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Houston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($747–$1,832) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Phoenix
Many movers find Phoenix easier on the wallet than Houston – roughly 14% less for singles and 27% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,369 for one person in Phoenix versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it’s $5,226 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Phoenix, note that rent can be roughly 9% more expensive than it is in Houston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 56% higher in Phoenix than in Houston.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Phoenix than in Houston.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Phoenix, where the cost of living for a single person is 14% less than in Houston.
- Moving to Phoenix could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 27% less than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 61% higher compared to Houston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Phoenix and Houston (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Arizona has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Houston with Phoenix:
| Living Expense | Houston | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Phoenix.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Houston vs. Phoenix
| Houston | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 56 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Phoenix’s population is about 30% less than Houston.
- Phoenix’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Houston with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Phoenix is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Phoenix’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 53.06 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Phoenix is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 46.94 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Phoenix move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Phoenix smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Phoenix
Now that you’ve chosen Arizona’s Urban Heart as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it’s time to see what Phoenix is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Phoenix offers cultural landmarks like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Phoenix?
Because spring and fall moves from Houston to Phoenix are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Houston to Phoenix take?
A move of 1,176 miles from Houston, TX to Phoenix, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Houston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Phoenix is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Houston?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Houston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 27 movers in Houston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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