Moving from Arizona to California
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 28,000 people living in California had lived in Arizona a year earlier. No other state drew more people from Arizona. A 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Los Angeles, about 421 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200. 81 licensed movers are based in Arizona.
Who makes this move
28,174
people moved from Arizona to California (±4,463)
52,383
moved the other way, from California to Arizona (±6,890)
- California drew about 16% of the roughly 179,000 people who left Arizona for another state.
- More people moved from California to Arizona than this way, by about 24,000.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Arizona went
Most common moves out of Arizona
- California28,000
- Texas14,000
- Colorado9,800
- Utah9,600
- Florida9,300
- Washington8,600
- Oregon7,200
- Illinois6,100
Survey estimates: where two figures are closer than their margins of error, their order may not be real. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows: 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
What it costs, by home size
Phoenix to Los Angeles, about 421 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,250–$2,400 | $1,550–$3,000 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $1,600–$3,100 | $2,000–$3,800 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $2,200–$4,200 | $2,750–$5,250 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $2,750–$5,250 | $3,400–$6,550 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $3,200–$6,150 | $4,000–$7,650 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $3,700–$7,100 | $4,600–$8,800 |
A model, not a quote: weight and distance, adjusted for season, fitted to published 2026 cost tables. Packing, stairs and specialty items add to these. How we model costs.
Between the main cities
A 2-bedroom move, mid-month outside summer.
| Move | Miles | Usual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix to Los Angeles | 421 | $2,200–$4,200 |
| Phoenix to San Francisco | 771 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Phoenix to San Diego | 353 | $2,200–$4,200 |
| Tucson to Los Angeles | 518 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Tucson to San Francisco | 888 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Tucson to San Diego | 428 | $2,200–$4,200 |
Road miles, estimated from the straight line between the cities.
Licensed movers based in Arizona
See all 81Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Tucson, AZ · USDOT 2591333
7 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2015
Mesa, AZ · USDOT 3214828
2 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2018
Scottsdale, AZ · USDOT 4430823
1 truck · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2025
Before you book
Questions about moving from Arizona to California
How much does it cost to move from Arizona to California?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Los Angeles, about 421 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200 mid-month outside summer; between the main cities on this page it runs from $2,200 to $4,900. A studio runs about $1,250–$2,400 and a 4-bedroom about $3,200–$6,150. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Arizona to California?
About 28,000 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 28,174, with a margin of error of ±4,463. About 52,000 moved from California to Arizona the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Arizona to California?
Between the main cities on this page, from about 353 to 888 miles by road; Phoenix to Los Angeles is about 421. Distances are estimated from the straight line between the cities; a mover's estimate uses the actual route.
Does a mover need a federal license to move me from Arizona to California?
Yes. The move crosses a state line, so the mover needs active interstate authority from the FMCSA under a USDOT number. Each mover listed here shows its authority and insurance status from FMCSA's files.
When is it cheapest to move from Arizona to California?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 25% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Arizona to California
See which companies hold active federal authority to move you and what moves like yours usually cost, then pick who quotes you.
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More moves from Arizona
Movers in Arizona and California. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.