How Much Does It Cost to Move in Tempe, AZ?
Tempe is home to Arizona State University and sits at the heart of the Phoenix metro, with moving costs that track slightly below Phoenix proper. Local moves average $930 for a 2-bedroom. Summer heat (June-August) makes moving physically demanding but rates drop 10-15% as demand falls during the hottest months.
Tempe, AZ Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $930 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $3,900 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $44/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $105/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Drives Moving Costs in Tempe
Hourly billing: Local movers in Tempe charge $44/mover/hr with a 2–3 hour minimum. Traffic, parking, and elevator waits all count as billable time.
Cost of living impact: Tempe's medium cost of living means labor costs for movers track accordingly — this directly affects hourly rates and overall quotes.
Parking and access: In dense urban areas, trucks can't always park at the door. Long carry distances trigger surcharges — typically $75–150 for every 75 feet beyond the standard 50-foot carry.
Booking timing: Tempe is a high-demand market. Book movers 4–6 weeks in advance for weekend moves, 2–3 weeks for weekday moves. Last-minute bookings can cost 20–40% more.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving in Tempe
Local moves (under 100 miles) are billed by the hour. Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) switch to a weight-plus-mileage pricing model — which is why costs jump so significantly.
| Factor | Local | Long Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Hourly | Weight + miles |
| Average cost (2BR) | $930 | $3,900 |
| Typical timeline | Same day | 2–14 days |
Plan Your Tempe Move
Get an itemized estimate for your move — movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and a contingency buffer. Free, no account required.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →FAQ — Moving in Tempe
How much does a local move in Tempe cost?
Local moves in Tempe average $930 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $44/hr per mover, and most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move from Tempe cost?
Long-distance moves from Tempe average $3,900 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals cost $1,200–2,500 depending on destination and truck size.
How much does a moving truck cost in Tempe?
Moving truck rentals in Tempe average $105/day for a 16–26 ft truck. Budget an additional $0.20–0.40/mile for fuel, plus any tolls.
What is the cheapest time to move in Tempe?
Weekdays in October–April are the cheapest time to move in Tempe. Avoid the last 3 days of any month, weekends, and May–September peak season — all add 15–30% to your total.
Do I need to tip movers in Tempe?
Tipping movers is standard but not required. A common guideline: $20–40/mover for a local move, $50–100/mover for a full-day or long-distance move. Tip based on care, attitude, and efficiency — not just hours.
What Tempe moving costs are easy to miss?
Common surprises: stair/elevator fees ($50–100/flight), long carry charges when trucks can't park close, packing material markups (movers charge 2–3× retail), and last-minute truck shortage premiums if you book late.