($1,383+) Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Tucson, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,370 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,706 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,277 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,397, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,706 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,705 - $6,848, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,370 - $3,861.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Tucson, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,678 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
Moving options from Arlington to Tucson fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,678 - $7,201 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,277 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 18 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,277-mile route from Arlington to Tucson, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,397 - $5,635 | $1,705 - $3,463 | $1,370 - $2,725 | $1,616 - $2,993 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,678 - $7,201 | $2,440 - $4,957 | $1,526 - $3,024 | $1,859 - $3,696 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,842 - $11,706 | $3,194 - $6,848 | $1,871 - $3,861 | $2,683 - $5,373 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
For the 2,277-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Tucson, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $2,397 and $11,706. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $412 - $2,744 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Arlington generally start around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,397 - $5,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,678 - $7,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,842 - $11,706
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Tucson.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tucson, 92% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $686 - $6,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $274 - $1,646/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $412 - $3,293 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,372 - $4,116 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,430 - $13,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,028 - $1,952 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,372 - $3,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,098 - $4,802 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $412 - $2,058 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $892 - $2,744 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $412 - $20,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $412 - $4,802+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Tucson?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Arlington, VA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Tucson, Arizona, cost between $1,705 and $6,848. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tucson. If you go over that window, storage in Arlington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,705 - $3,463
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,440 - $4,957
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,194 - $6,848
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Tucson, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $960 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $103 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $206 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Arizona move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,705. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,440 - $4,957, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Tucson?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 2,277-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Tucson, Arizona, costs between $1,370 and $3,861, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $994 - $1,136
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Tucson based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,370 - $2,725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,526 - $3,024
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,871 - $3,861
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,370 - $3,861 does not include fuel ($994 - $1,136) , lodging ($206/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Arlington to Tucson typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $994 - $1,136 for the 2,277-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $960.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,277-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $206 per night, adding $412 - $617 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $69 and $412.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Tucson?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tucson, Arizona.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,859 and $3,696.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,616 - $2,993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,859 - $3,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,683 - $5,373
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $103 and $206.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $960.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Tucson?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Tucson, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tucson, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 97 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,295/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $240,428 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $54,546/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 45.57/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson, AZ to Arlington, VA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Arizona over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 104 movers in our Virginia network to compare for this 2,277-mile move.
Our take
The 2,277-mile move from Arlington, VA, to Tucson, AZ, costs between $2,397 and $11,706 with full-service movers, $1,705 - $6,848 with a moving container, and $1,370 - $3,861 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,678 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Tucson tend to point to beautiful nature and renowned cuisine, though high crime rate and low economic opportunity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include University of Arizona and Raytheon Technologies.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Tucson, AZ
How walkable is Tucson?
Tucson has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($994 - $1,136), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $206/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA to Tucson, AZ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.