Best Irvine to Tucson Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Irvine to Tucson and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 483 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 Irvine to Tucson moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Terry Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Irvine compared to Tucson. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Irvine to Tucson Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
2NorthStar Moving Company9.218.97Authorized For HHGContact
3Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
4Moving Buddies Tucson AZ9.059.23Authorized For HHGContact
5Get Your Move On, LLC9.038.37Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Irvine to Tucson

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 483 miles from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ will cost on average $2,192 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Irvine to Tucson move is roughly $5,248. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,476300 ft³4.92
1 Bedroom$2,192450 ft³4.87
2 Bedrooms$3,616750 ft³4.82
3 Bedrooms$5,2481100 ft³4.77
4 Bedrooms$7,5541600 ft³4.72
5+ Bedrooms$8,4081800 ft³4.67
*Please note: These California to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Arizona. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to AZ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tucson to Irvine guide.

Compare the 5 Best Irvine to Tucson Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
NorthStar Moving Company Logo

NorthStar Moving Company

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.21/10
based on 10,283+ data points

633 W 5th St 26th floor

Los Angeles, CA, 90071

About NorthStar Moving Company

Founded in 1994, Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Company treats all its customers as VIPs when helping them with local, intrastate, interstate,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1836576 / 665757

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Moving Buddies Tucson AZ Logo

Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Exceptional9.05/10
based on 1,762+ data points

5502 E 25th St

Tucson, AZ, 85711

About Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Since 2011, this family-owned moving company has been building a reputation in Tucson, AZ, for excellence, professionalism, and integrity. Moving Buddies...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3531262 / 1542042

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Get Your Move On, LLC Logo

Get Your Move On, LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 1,564+ data points

1430 E Hadley St # 110

Phoenix, AZ, 85034

About Get Your Move On, LLC

This family-owned and operated moving company has been helping Phoenix, AZ residents move since 2005. Get Your Move On was founded...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1885055 / 990813

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved350,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Irvine vs. Tucson Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To make the transition smoother, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Irvine, CA & Tucson, AZ . This guide is designed to help you find areas in Tucson that resonate with the vibe of your favorite Irvine neighborhood, easing the stress of moving and settling in.

IrvineTucsonHow They're Similar
WoodbridgeSamm HughesHistoric charm, family-friendly
Turtle RockCatalina FoothillsScenic views, upscale living
NorthwoodRita RanchCommunity-focused, modern amenities
WestparkOro ValleyWell-planned, community parks
Shady CanyonSkyline Country ClubExclusive, luxury homes
Quail HillSabino Canyon Recreation AreaNature-oriented, hiking trails
WoodburyVailFamily-oriented, quiet living
University ParkUniversity of Arizona AreaEducational hub, vibrant atmosphere
Great Park NeighborhoodsArmory ParkHistoric, community events
Portola SpringsTanque VerdeSerene, equestrian trails

Exploring these neighborhoods can reveal many hidden gems. For example, Samm Hughes in Tucson mirrors the quaint, family-oriented vibe of Irvine's Woodbridge, complete with local cafes and a warm community feel. Those coming from Turtle Rock will appreciate Catalina Foothills' breathtaking mountain views and luxurious homes, echoing Turtle Rock's prestigious ambiance. Enjoy hiking? Quail Hill's trails remind many of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, a nature lover’s paradise, offering extensive hiking trails and beautiful scenery in Tucson. Similarly, the University of Arizona Area's energetic and educational environment is akin to Irvine’s University Park, bustling with academic life and cultural activities. It's about finding a piece of home in a new city, with every neighborhood offering its own unique charm and community spirit.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Tucson

Moving from one city to another always comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ . By contrasting the pros and cons directly, you'll gain a clearer insight into what awaits you in your new city, enabling you to make a well-informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Less local culture
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant local culture
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Smaller job market
  • No beach access
  • Varied school quality
  • Older infrastructure
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Robust job market
  • Beach access
  • High-quality education
  • Modern infrastructure

Moving from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ, you're transitioning from the hustle and bustle of a major suburb in the Los Angeles area to a city with a touch of old-world charm and a slower pace of life. While Irvine offers access to stunning beaches like Newport Beach and a slew of tech jobs in Silicon Valley South, Tucson prides itself on its rich history, witnessed in places such as the Saguaro National Park and the historic Presidio San Agustín del Tucson. Dining in Tucson is a treat with its vibrant local cuisine, showcased in restaurants like El Charro Café, the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant continuously operated by the same family. While you might miss the seamless infrastructure and beaches of Irvine, the cultural richness, and more relaxed lifestyle of Tucson, alongside its significantly lower cost of living, present an appealing package for anyone looking for a change.

Irvine vs. Tucson Food Guide

As you prepare to move, understanding the local culture is crucial, and nothing says "local culture" more than food. This guide offers a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine & Tucson , providing insight into the culinary experiences awaiting you. You'll be better informed and ready to dive into the food scene of your new home.

IrvineTucson
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemPoke BowlsTacos
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Houston's
  • Din Tai Fung
  • Habana
  • El Guero Canelo
  • The Tasteful Kitchen
  • PENCA
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Irvine, the fusion of cultures provides a unique culinary scene, especially noted for its Korean BBQ and Poke Bowls, often found in the bustling streets of Diamond Jamboree. On the other hand, Tucson boasts a rich food heritage deeply influenced by its Mexican-American community, best represented by the iconic Sonoran Hot Dog and a vibrant array of tacos, particularly in the historic areas like El Presidio. Whether you're exploring the vegan-friendly eateries such as The Tasteful Kitchen in Tucson or indulging in the fresh, health-conscious options like Acai Bowls in Irvine, your taste buds are in for a treat as you transition to your new city.

Irvine vs. Tucson Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel daunting, but discovering local cuisines makes the transition exciting. If you're relocating from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ, this food comparison is designed to help you find your next go-to eateries, mirroring your favorites from back home. This restaurant comparison between Irvine and Tucson aims to help you feel right at home.

IrvineTucsonWhat You'll Love
HabanaCafé Poca CosaSimilar vibrant Latin atmosphere with innovative dishes.
Din Tai FungChina Pasta HouseBoth places offer authentic, delicious dumplings and noodles.
North ItaliaReilly Craft Pizza & DrinkItalian cuisine with a modern twist and a cozy ambiance.
Urban PlatesTumericoOffers healthy, hearty meals with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
HiroNori Craft RamenYoshimatsu Healthy Japanese EateryAuthentic Japanese cuisine with excellent ramen options.
Portola Coffee RoastersExo Roast Co.Both are known for their commitment to quality coffee and sustainable sourcing.
Bosscat Kitchen and LibationsThe ParishSouthern-inspired gastropub with a unique twist on comfort food.
Kang Ho-dong BaekjeongKorean BBQ HouseOffers an authentic Korean BBQ experience with a variety of meats and sides.
Mendocino Farms5 Points Market & RestaurantBoth have a focus on fresh, locally-sourced sandwiches and salads.
Sidecar Doughnuts & CoffeeDonut BarSimilar artisanal approach to doughnuts, with both classic and innovative flavors.

For those who cherish the moments spent in the cozy and upscale settings of Irvine's Habana, you'll feel a sense of familiarity at Café Poca Cosa in Tucson, where the ambiance and innovative Latin cuisine parallel your dining experiences back in California. If your palate leans more towards Asian cuisines, swapping Din Tai Fung's signature dumplings for the authentic offerings at China Pasta House will not disappoint. Additionally, coffee enthusiasts transitioning from the meticulous brews of Portola Coffee Roasters will find solace and satisfaction in the sustainable, quality-focused approach of Exo Roast Co. Variety and quality don't have to be compromised in your move; Tucson's dining scene boasts establishments that mirror the diverse and vibrant flavors you've grown to love in Irvine.

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Irvine vs. Tucson Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience, making it crucial to understand how Irvine and Tucson compare in terms of housing. This comparison covers various facets such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, providing a comprehensive view to inform your decision.

ComparisonIrvineTucson
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SpanishSpanish Colonial and Adobe
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen Floor Plans, Gourmet KitchensMountain Views, Outdoor Living Spaces

The difference in median home prices and rents between Irvine and Tucson is stark, reflecting the broader cost of living and housing affordability in each city. Irvine boasts more modern and Spanish architectural styles, with a focus on luxury amenities like gourmet kitchens, indicative of its higher median home price. In contrast, Tucson features the unique Spanish Colonial and Adobe styles, with real estate listings frequently highlighting outdoor living spaces and mountain views, catering to a lifestyle that embraces the natural beauty surrounding the city. While both cities offer their unique charms and challenges in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, these factors can vastly influence your daily life and overall satisfaction with your move.

Irvine vs. Tucson Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ, it's crucial to understand how the weather conditions in your new city compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will help you prepare for changes in temperature, sunshine, and potential natural disasters . Let’s dive into the specifics to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

Irvine, CA

100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 47°F

Irvine, CA

65°F / 39°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13.5"

Irvine, CA

11.3"

Tucson, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Irvine, CA

0.3"

Tucson, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIrvineTucson
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHeatwaves, Monsoons
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Upon relocating to Tucson from Irvine, you'll encounter significantly hotter summers, with average highs reaching 100°F, compared to Irvine's milder 83°F. Despite the slight increase in days of sunshine, Tucson experiences a notably lower annual humidity level at 38%, making the heat more bearable than you might expect. However, prepare for a change in the natural disaster profile, with Tucson facing heatwaves and monsoon seasons, contrasting with Irvine's risk of earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences allows you to plan better for seasonal clothing, home cooling solutions, and emergency preparedness in your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Tucson

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Moving from Irvine, CA, to Tucson, AZ, this chart compares crucial money and finance factors to prepare you for the change in cost of living and economic conditions you're about to experience.

ComparisonIrvineTucson
Avg. Household Income$105,774$50,306
Cost of Living Index136.496.5
State Income Tax9.34.54
Avg. Property Tax0.720.66
Avg. Sales Tax7.758.7
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, Health ServicesAerospace and Defense, Tourism, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessVisibleMore Visible

Moving from Irvine to Tucson, you'll notice a significant difference in the average household income and cost of living index, with Tucson being more affordable on average. While state income tax is notably lower in Arizona, sales tax is slightly higher. Although Irvine boasts a high-affluence environment against Tucson's moderate setting, the latter city offers a unique economic landscape with flourishing aerospace and defense industries. The nuances in the cost of living and economic opportunities between these cities underscore the importance of financial planning when making such a move.

Irvine vs. Tucson Political & Religious Comparison

In your move from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ, understanding the demographic landscape provides a clear insight into your new community. This brief overview offers a comparison of the politics between Irvine & Tucson , alongside a glimpse into the religious inclinations of both cities, giving you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot.

IrvineTucson
Political Make-upLean towards liberalStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsFocus on business and developmentCommunity-focused
ReligionDiverse religious communityHighly diversified religious presence

When making the move from Irvine to Tucson, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city with a liberal political stance to one even more pronounced in its liberal ideologies. While both cities prize diversity, Tucson's local politics are exceptionally community-oriented, focusing on initiatives that service its diverse population directly. Whether through community events or local government decisions, the evidence of a deeply engaged citizenry is prominent. Moreover, the religious landscape in both cities is rich and varied, offering abundant opportunities for spiritual exploration and community connection.

Irvine vs. Tucson Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Irvine, CA to Tucson, AZ? Understand how daily commutes and traffic differ in these cities. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Irvine & Tucson will help you adjust to your new city more smoothly.

ComparisonIrvineTucson
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultModerately possible

In Irvine, the average commute time is slightly less than Tucson's, but not by much. The traffic congestion score reveals a more comfortable driving experience in Tucson, as Irvine has higher levels of congestion, likely due to its proximity to Los Angeles. Regarding public transit, Tucson edges out slightly ahead, making it more feasible to get around without a car than in Irvine. However, it's important to note that in both cities, having a car enhances accessibility to a broader range of amenities and employment opportunities.

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