($1,309) Moving from Detroit to Phoenix

Quick answer: A move from Detroit to Phoenix costs $1,212 to $7,557 and takes five-sixteen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,986-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Detroit will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Phoenix to Detroit guide.

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The best Detroit to Phoenix moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit 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 Detroit to Phoenix.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Phoenix?

Detroit movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,309 - $5,294 $1,080 - $2,898 $1,143 - $2,291
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,573 - $7,557 $2,024 - $3,997 $1,212 - $2,544
4+ bedrooms $6,743 - $11,244 $2,912 - $5,391 $1,529 - $3,053
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,986 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Phoenix

The cost of Detroit 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 Detroit to Phoenix can be as low as $1,309 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,415.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $1,143 to $2,730. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to Phoenix?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Phoenix will cost between $1,309 to $5,294. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,573 to $7,557, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Phoenix will cost from $6,743 to $11,244.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Phoenix?

Moving containers from Detroit to Phoenix will cost you $1,080 to $2,898 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,024 to $3,997. A larger home will cost $2,912 to $5,391.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Phoenix?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, 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 $1,143 to $2,291. A larger move will cost $1,212 to $2,544, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Phoenix costs from $1,529 to $3,053. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Phoenix

Cost of living: Detroit vs Phoenix

Detroit Phoenix
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,795
Average home value $65,800 $417,105
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $63,135
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $2,566
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $5,826
Unemployment rate 10.0% 6.6%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.6%
State Income Tax 4.25% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Phoenix are 50% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Phoenix are 533.9% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Phoenix is 81.6% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 164.8% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 74.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 34.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Phoenix are 43.33% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Phoenix are 41.18% lower than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $7,944.27 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Phoenix?

Phoenix Detroit
Population 1,608,139 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 41 51
Bike friendliness score 56 52
Crime Index 42.86 55.84
Safety Index 46.6 25.97
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Phoenix's population is about 152% greater than Detroit.
  • Phoenix's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Detroit's lower score of 7.
  • Phoenix is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Phoenix is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Phoenix's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 42.86 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 42.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Phoenix is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 46.6 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Phoenix is moderate, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Phoenix

  • 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: 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 “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 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 Phoenix. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.28 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.2 overall rating
11850 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI, 48214
(313) 822-4400

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

Where to live in Phoenix

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Phoenix.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Camelback East
  • Encanto
  • Estrella Village
  • North Gateway
  • South Mountain

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Arcadia/Biltmore
  • Ahwatukee
  • Coronado
  • Gilbert
  • Paradise Valley
  • Scottsdale

What to do in Phoenix

These are some of the best things to do in your new Arizona home.

  • Musical Instrument Museum
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Camelback Mountain
  • Heard Museum
  • South Mountain Park
  • Piestewa Peak
  • Hole in the Rock
  • Papago Park
  • Chase Field
  • Wrigley Mansion
  • Phoenix Art Museum
  • Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Children’s Museum of Phoenix
  • Dobbins Lookout

Get your sports on!

Phoenix is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

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

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Phoenix?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Phoenix?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to Phoenix 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 Detroit to Phoenix take?

The 1,986-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Phoenix, AZ, takes five-sixteen days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources