Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Irvine to Tucson can be as low as $1,286 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,501.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Irvine, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $474 to $1,186. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Irvine to Tucson

Irvine Tucson
Average rent cost $4,000 $1,295
Average home value $1,561,760 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $114,027 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $9,167 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $18,000 $6,043
Unemployment rate 5.4% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.75% 8.7%
State income tax 13.3% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 68% lower than in Irvine.
  • Home prices in Tucson are 79.0% lower than in Irvine.
  • Income in Tucson is 45.8% lower than in Irvine.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 73.9% lower than in Irvine.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 66.4% lower than in Irvine.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 37.04% higher than in Irvine.
  • Sales taxes in Tucson are 12.26% higher than in Irvine.
  • State income taxes in Tucson are 81.20% lower than in Irvine.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $782.15 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.

How life is different in Irvine vs. Tucson

Tucson Irvine
Population 542,629 307,670
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 43 43
Bike friendliness score 66 69
Crime Index 54.43 31.01
Safety Index 45.57 68.99
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tucson's population is about 76% greater than Irvine.
  • Tucson's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Irvine's higher score of 4.
  • Tucson and Irvine are similarily walkable.
  • Tucson has a bike-friendliness score 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Tucson's crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 54.43 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
  • Tucson is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 45.57 vs Irvine's 68.99.
  • Air quality in Tucson is good, and in Irvine it's good.

Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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 โ€œunregulatedโ€ 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Tucson. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tucson

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Old Pueblo", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tucson.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucsontoggle

After settling into your new Arizona home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tucson has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Irvine to Tucson?

The best time to move from Irvine to Tucson is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.

When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Tucson?

Because most people are moving from Irvine to Tucson in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Irvine to Tucson take?

The 481-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Tucson, AZ, takes one to four days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tucson.

Helpful moving resources