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.
Local Moving Companies in Tempe for Ohio Moves
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.
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
- NorthStar Moving Company — 4.66 / 5
- Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.58 / 5
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
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.
Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
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.
NorthStar Moving Company — 4.66 / 5
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.
Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
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.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.58 / 5
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.
Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
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.
Local Moving Services Available in Tempe
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 |
Cost to Move from Tempe to Ohio
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.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Tempe to Ohio
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.
Cost of Moving Containers from Tempe to Ohio
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.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Tempe to Ohio
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.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost from Tempe to Ohio
A few variables will shift your quote up or down:
- Move size and weight: More belongings mean more truck space and more crew time. The weight estimate on your quote is worth scrutinizing.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season. Moving in fall or winter typically gets you better rates and more carrier availability.
- DIY vs. full-service: DIY saves money upfront, but on a nearly 2,000-mile move, the time, physical effort, and logistics are real costs too.
What to Know Before Moving from Tempe to Ohio
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.
Cost of Living: Tempe vs. Ohio
| 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:
- Rent in Ohio runs about 48% cheaper than in Tempe — roughly $900 a month back in your pocket.
- Home prices are roughly 51% lower in Ohio. If you're looking to buy, that gap is significant.
- Per capita income is nearly identical, so your earning power shouldn't take a major hit.
- The cost of living index is 17% lower in Ohio overall, meaning your dollars stretch noticeably further.
- Unemployment is 33% lower in Ohio, which suggests a more stable job market.
- Ohio's state income tax of 3.5% is 40% higher than Arizona's 2.5%. That'll show up in your net pay, even as other costs drop.
How Life Differs: Tempe vs. Ohio
| 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:
- Climate: Trading 104°F summers for 84°F is genuinely pleasant. But Ohio winters hit 20°F lows, compared to Tempe's 42°F. Budget for heating costs, winter gear, and a snow shovel.
- Precipitation: Tempe gets 9 inches of rain per year and effectively no snow. Ohio averages 40 inches of rain and 28 inches of snow annually. If you've only ever lived in the desert, the adjustment takes a season or two.
- Crime: Ohio's crime index of 20.76 is substantially lower than Tempe's 42.36 — a meaningful difference in day-to-day safety.
- Politics: Ohio has leaned Republican at the state level in recent elections; Tempe has run Democratic. If community fit matters to you, it's worth researching the specific metro area you're moving to.
Practical Logistics Before You Go
A few things that can trip up an otherwise smooth move:
- HOA rules: Check your new neighborhood's moving policies before you show up with a truck. Some communities have restrictions on move-in hours or require elevator reservations.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a building with a shared elevator, reserve it in advance — competition for the freight elevator on move-in day is real.
- Truck parking permits: Some Ohio cities require permits for large vehicles parked on the street. Check with the local municipality before your move date.
- USDOT verification: Ohio doesn't require a separate state moving license, but any mover you hire for this interstate move must be registered with the US Department of Transportation. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it before booking.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving day. You can set your official start date so mail forwarding begins on time.
- Moving insurance: Movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but that's only 60 cents per pound per item, which is minimal coverage for a nearly 2,000-mile haul. Ask your mover about full-valuation coverage, or look into a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized. On a cross-country move, the details that fall through the cracks tend to be the expensive ones.
Things to Do in Ohio
Ohio has more going for it than people who haven't lived there tend to expect. A quick orientation:
Museums:
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
- A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
Parks and outdoor spaces:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports:
- Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities:
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQ
How long does a move from Tempe to Ohio take?
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.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in Tempe?
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.
What's the best way to ship a car from Tempe to Ohio?
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.
Why are people moving from Tempe to Ohio?
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.
Can I pay a Tempe mover in cash?
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.
Where do I find long-distance movers in Tempe?
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.