($1,191) Movers From California to Phoenix

Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Phoenix, AZ averages from $505 to $5,174 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • East coast focus
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Phoenix, AZ to California guide.

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Moving from California to Phoenix, AZ resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Phoenix, AZ.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best California to Phoenix, AZ movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Phoenix, AZ.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • California to Phoenix, AZ car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 590 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Phoenix, AZ moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Phoenix is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Phoenix.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

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

What is the average cost to move from California to Phoenix, AZ?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Phoenix for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,191 - $3,269 $689 - $1,711 $446 - $789
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,010 - $5,174 $1,292 - $2,437 $505 - $977
4+ bedrooms $3,703 - $8,108 $1,624 - $3,272 $576 - $1,131

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 590 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 California to Phoenix, AZ will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Phoenix?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Phoenix will cost between $1,191 to $3,269. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Phoenix will range from $2,010 to $5,174, and a large move from California to Phoenix will cost from $3,703 to $8,108.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Phoenix?

Moving containers from California to Phoenix will cost you $689 to $1,711 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,292 to $2,437. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,624 to $3,272.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Phoenix.

How much is a moving truck from California to Phoenix?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Phoenix, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $446 to $789. A larger move will cost $505 to $977, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Phoenix costs from $576 to $1,131. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.

Is moving from California to Phoenix, AZ a good idea?

Cost of living: California vs Phoenix, AZ

California Phoenix
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,795
Average home value $771,057 $417,105
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $63,135
Unemployment rate 5% 7%
State income tax 13% 3%
  • Rent is about 3% less expensive in Phoenix than in California.
  • Home prices are about 46% lower in Phoenix than in California.
  • The average income is about 31% lower in Phoenix than in California.
  • Phoenix has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 22%.
  • Income taxes are 81% lower in Phoenix than in California.

How is life different in Phoenix from California?

Phoenix California
Population 1,608,139 39,029,342
Political leaning Democrat 50-48 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 105ºF 87ºF
Winter low 43ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 9" 22"
Annual snow 0" 7"
Crime index 42.86 28.43
  • The population of Phoenix is approximately 96% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Phoenix voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Phoenix is 105ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Phoenix reaches the temperature of 43ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 9 inches of annual rainfall in Phoenix vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Phoenix, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Phoenix has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 42.86 vs 28.43.

Considerations for moving to Phoenix, AZ

  • Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722
(559) 785-0316
Grizzly Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA, 92121
(844) 474-9959

Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Phoenix, AZ:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Phoenix side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Phoenix, AZ
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful nature
Pleasant weather Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Abundant recreational options Ample economic activity
High quality of life Low cost of living
Fresh and healthy foods Delectable food

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Phoenix, AZ:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Phoenix.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Phoenix, AZ
High cost of living Extreme weather
Heavy tax burdens Tourists
Natural disasters Limited public transportation
Terrible traffic Hot summers
Strange laws Poor education

Need a local Phoenix mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mentors Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3416 S 48th St Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ, 85040
(480) 605-1782
Camelback Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
2330 North 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85009
(602) 564-6683

Visit our best movers in Phoenix page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Phoenix?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Phoenix.

Museums in Phoenix

  • Musical Instrument Museum
  • Heard Museum
  • Phoenix Art Museum
  • Children’s Museum of Phoenix
  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
  • Pueblo Grande Museum
  • Wells Fargo Museum
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona Capitol Museum
  • Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Parks in Phoenix

  • Encanto Park
  • Freestone Park
  • Tempe Beach Park
  • Desert Breeze Park
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
  • Kiwanis Park
  • Chaparral Park
  • Sahuaro Ranch Park
  • Margaret T. Hance Park
  • Moon Valley Park
  • Steele Indian School Park

Sports Teams in Phoenix

  • Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
  • Phoenix Suns(NBA)
  • Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
  • Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
  • Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
  • Phoenix Rising FC (USLC)

Universities in Phoenix

  • Arizona State University
  • University of Arizona College of Medicine
  • Phoenix College
  • Phoenix Seminary
  • Barrow Neurological Institute
  • Grand Canyon University
  • University of Phoenix
  • Arizona Summit Law School,

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Phoenix?

Because of the 590-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Phoenix as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Phoenix, AZ?

With the summer highs of 105ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Phoenix from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Phoenix during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Phoenix?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Phoenix.

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