Houston, TX to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Tempe typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,171 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Tempe
Moving from Houston, TX to Tempe, AZ typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,171-mile move from Houston 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
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $3,917 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,970 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,051 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 08, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($800–$2,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Tempe movers by type
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Best professional movers from Houston to Tempe
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Houston to Tempe, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 TX→AZ movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Houston to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 96% higher for singles and -5% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $6,810 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent is estimated to be 18% higher in Tempe compared to Houston; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 79% greater in Tempe than in Houston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 8% lower in Tempe compared to Houston.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 96% higher than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Tempe and Houston, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- In Tempe, the unemployment rate is approximately 32% higher than in Houston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Tempe and Houston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Houston and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Houston | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Tempe.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Tempe.
How life is different in Houston vs. Tempe
| Houston | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 75 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 92% less than Houston.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston's score of 5.
- Tempe is more walkable than Houston with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe 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.
- Tempe's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 42.36 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 57.64 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that you've decided to make the move to Tempe, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Arizona, it's time to get out and discover what Tempe has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tempe, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Tempe?
The best time to move from Houston to Tempe is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Tempe?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Houston to Tempe, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Houston to Tempe take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Tempe, AZ covers 1,171 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tempe.
Which movers in Houston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Houston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 27 movers in Houston advertise piano moving expertise. 15 movers in Houston provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
