Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Tucson can be as low as $1,726 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,436.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,109 to $2,853. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Tucson

Seattle Tucson
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,295
Average home value $842,068 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $3,740 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,801 $6,043
Unemployment rate 4.8% 7.4%
Sales tax 10.35% 8.7%
State income tax 0.0% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 34% lower than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Tucson are 61.1% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Tucson is 20.7% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 36.1% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 38.3% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 54.17% higher than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes in Tucson are 15.94% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Tucson are 2.50% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,917.11 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Tucson

Tucson Seattle
Population 542,629 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 43 74
Bike friendliness score 66 71
Crime Index 54.43 58.88
Safety Index 45.57 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tucson's population is about 26% less than Seattle.
  • Tucson's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Seattle's lower score of 8.
  • Tucson is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
  • Tucson has a bike-friendliness score 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Tucson's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 54.43 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Tucson is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 45.57 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Tucson is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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 Seattle to Tucson?

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

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

Because most people are moving from Seattle 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 Seattle to Tucson take?

The 1,525-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Tucson, AZ, takes four to 15 days. Some Seattle 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