Real cost ranges, top-rated Tempe movers, and cost of living data for your 1,902-mile move from Tempe, AZ to Ohio. Updated 2026.
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If you're moving from Tempe to Ohio, you already know you're done with triple-digit summers and some of the steepest rents in the Southwest. What you might not know yet is what it'll actually cost you to get there — or which movers are worth hiring for a 1,902-mile haul.
That's what this guide covers. I've pulled together the top-rated Tempe movers operating on this route, real price ranges across all three moving options, and a straightforward breakdown of what life in Ohio costs compared to Tempe. Use the moving cost calculator to get a number specific to your home size and timeline before you start collecting quotes.
Out of 67 Tempe movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five score highest for this route based on verified reviews and interstate experience.
If none of these fit your needs or timeline, SafeShip Moving is a dedicated long-distance moving carrier I've seen handle interstate routes out of the Southwest competently — worth a quote if you want a specialist rather than a local mover handling an out-of-state job.
Address: 3416 S 48th St Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040 | DOT: 2911596 | Phone: (480) 605-1782
Yelp: 110 reviews | Google: 286 reviews | BBB: A+
89% positive reviews. Eight years in business, and Mentors earns consistent marks for speed, punctual arrivals, and careful handling. From 126 analyzed reviews, the pattern is clear: efficient crews, upfront quotes, solid communication. The negative 11% is worth noting, though — it centers on items that were lost or damaged, final bills that came in significantly over estimate, and difficulty getting resolution when something went wrong. If you're shipping anything fragile or high-value, get your insurance coverage confirmed in writing before moving day.
Key services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; storage; full-valuation coverage; fragile-only packing; safes; credit card accepted.
Address: 10000 N. 31st Ave., Suite C100-127, Phoenix, AZ 85051 | DOT: 1836576 | Phone: (800) 275-7767
90% positive reviews. With 30 years in the industry — formerly operating as Scottsdale Moving & Storage — NorthStar is one of the more established Arizona movers taking on long interstate routes. From 121 analyzed reviews, customers consistently describe fast crews, attentive communication, and careful handling from booking through delivery. The 5% of negative reviews cluster around item damage, a few unfriendly crew interactions, and charges that ran higher than the original quote.
Key services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos, art, antiques; crating; storage; full-valuation coverage; cash or credit card accepted.
Address: 6056 E Baseline Rd, Suite 149, Mesa, AZ 85206 | DOT: 3190108 | Phone: (480) 825-8648
Yelp: 133 reviews | Google: 218 reviews | BBB: A+
97% positive reviews — the highest on this list and the one that carries the most weight given a sample of 357 reviews. Gilbert earns that score through transparent pricing, thorough communication, and crews that work efficiently without cutting corners. Customers frequently note that the final bill matched or came close to the original estimate, which is not something you hear often in this industry. The 3% negative reviews involve property damage, unexpected charges, and insurance claim disputes. For an 8-year-old regional mover, this track record is genuinely strong.
Key services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; antiques; crating; storage; full-valuation coverage; credit card accepted.
Address: 7039 E 6th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | DOT: 2527384 | Phone: (480) 582-0747
Yelp: 50 reviews | Google: 48 reviews | BBB: A+
76% positive reviews — the lowest positivity rate on this list, which is worth flagging for a national franchise with 26 years in the market. The praise is real: efficient, professional crews who handle belongings with care. But 24% of reviews describe damaged items, surprise charges after quoted prices, and frustrating follow-up with office staff and management. Not a dealbreaker, but confirm everything in writing and review the final invoice carefully before you sign off.
Key services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; pianos; storage; safes; credit card accepted.
Address: 4627 E Ivy St, Mesa, AZ 85205 | DOT: 1759501 | Phone: (480) 213-0395
Yelp: 844 reviews | Google: 1,008 reviews | BBB: A+
98% positive reviews across 1,800+ total reviews — that combination is hard to dismiss. Just-In Time has 20 years in business and has built a reputation for fast, careful moves with easy booking and reliable crews. Notably, many customers report paying less than their quoted price, which is about as rare as it gets in this industry. The 1.4% negative reviews mention item damage, insurance claim difficulties, and a small number of complaints about extra charges from poor truck loading. For a Tempe mover handling an Ohio-length interstate run, this is the most credentialed option on the list.
Key services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; crane vans; storage; full-valuation coverage; fragile-only packing; safes; credit card accepted.
A quick snapshot of specialty service availability among Tempe movers:
| Service | Available from |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 57 movers (85%) |
| Piano moves | 53 movers (79%) |
| Small moves | 38 movers (57%) |
| Antiques | 36 movers (54%) |
| Art | 34 movers (51%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 movers (34%) |
| Custom crating | 38 movers |
The table below covers typical price ranges for this ~1,902-mile move across all three options.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,245 – $4,765 | $1,074 – $2,573 | $1,013 – $1,951 |
| 2–3 BR | $3,060 – $6,637 | $1,854 – $3,845 | $1,130 – $2,370 |
| 4+ BR | $5,737 – $10,616 | $2,589 – $5,389 | $1,484 – $2,962 |
Estimates based on a 1,902-mile Tempe-to-Ohio move using pricing data from MoveFinders as of January 2026. Final charges vary based on inventory, access and parking constraints, add-ons, fuel, and timing. Get multiple quotes.
For a studio or one-bedroom, plan on $1,245 to $4,765. A two- or three-bedroom move typically runs $3,060 to $6,637. For a four-bedroom-plus household, budget $5,737 to $10,616. The wide ranges reflect real variation — crew size, total weight, packing services, piano moves, and crating all push the number up.
Moving containers are the middle-ground option: you load and unload, a carrier handles the 1,900-mile drive. For a small load, expect $1,074 to $2,573. A two- or three-bedroom home typically costs $1,854 to $3,845. For four bedrooms or more, you're looking at $2,589 to $5,389. That's a meaningful discount over full-service, but factor in the physical effort of loading a cross-country haul yourself.
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — you do all the work. For a studio or one-bedroom, plan on $1,013 to $1,951. A two- or three-bedroom move lands between $1,130 and $2,370. A four-bedroom-plus move runs $1,484 to $2,962. These ranges include estimated fuel costs for the route. Just keep in mind that 1,902 miles is a long drive to make in a loaded cargo truck, especially if you're also juggling a family move.
A few variables will shift your quote up or down:
Ohio will feel different if you've spent any real time in Tempe — not just the weather, but the cost of living, the pace, and the politics. Here's a straight look at what the data says.
| Tempe, AZ | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,834 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $471,494 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $64,080 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 3.5% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers mean in practice:
| Tempe, AZ | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Republican (55–45) |
| Summer high | 104°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 42°F | 20°F |
| Annual rainfall | 9 inches | 40 inches |
| Annual snowfall | 0 inches | 28 inches |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 20.76 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
A few things that can trip up an otherwise smooth move:
Ohio has more going for it than people who haven't lived there tend to expect. A quick orientation:
Museums:
Parks and outdoor spaces:
Sports:
Universities:
Plan for 5 to 16 days depending on the carrier and service type. Summer moves tend to run toward the longer end. Before you book, ask for a specific delivery window — not just a range — and get it in writing.
MoveFinders tracks 38 Tempe movers that build custom crates for items like art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that materials and dimensions match your specific items before finalizing your booking.
At nearly 1,900 miles, auto transport makes more sense than driving a second vehicle. See our picks for the best car shipping companies to compare options for this route.
Cost of living is the most common reason. Housing in Ohio is roughly half the price of Tempe, and the overall cost of living is significantly lower. Economic opportunity and proximity to family are also frequent factors.
Currently, 15 Tempe movers accept cash. That said, cash isn't the norm in this industry — traceable payment methods give you better protection if something goes wrong. Expect to pay a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery.
Start with the five companies ranked above. For a broader comparison across interstate carriers, see the best long-distance movers guide on MoveFinders.
The ranges above give you a useful baseline, but your actual quote depends on what you're moving, when, and which services you need. Compare at least three estimates before committing — and use the moving cost calculator to build a more precise starting point.
