Best Salinas to Tucson Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Tucson and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 808 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Salinas 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 Moving Buddies Tucson AZ), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas 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 Salinas to Tucson Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Moving Buddies Tucson AZ9.059.23Authorized For HHGContact
2Get Your Move On, LLC9.038.37Authorized For HHGContact
3Mod Movers8.798.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.607.06Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Salinas to Tucson

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 808 miles from Salinas, CA to Tucson, AZ will cost on average $2,468 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Tucson move is roughly $5,924. 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$1,661300 ft³5.54
1 Bedroom$2,468450 ft³5.49
2 Bedrooms$4,076750 ft³5.44
3 Bedrooms$5,9241100 ft³5.39
4 Bedrooms$8,5361600 ft³5.34
5+ Bedrooms$9,5131800 ft³5.29
*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 Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Tucson Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.79/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.60/10
based on 366+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
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.

Salinas vs. Tucson Neighborhood Comparison

Moving between cities can be less daunting when you find a slice of home in your new town. This guide is designed to compare the local neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Tucson, AZ , helping you find areas with similar vibes, amenities, and lifestyles. Whether you love the bustling city center or a quiet suburban area, you’ll discover a comparable neighborhood waiting for you.

SalinasTucsonHow They're Similar
Maple ParkCatalina VistaHistoric homes, community-focused
South SalinasSam HughesFamily-friendly, near university
North SalinasFlowing WellsDiverse, accessible amenities
Monterey ParkEl EncantoUpscale, serene landscape
East SalinasBarrio CentroCulturally rich, vibrant community
CreeksideBlenman-ElmCharming, with a historical touch
Laurel WoodArmory ParkArchitectural variety, central location
Mission ParkReid ParkGreen spaces, family amenities
Harding/LawndaleDunbar SpringEclectic, community gardens
Salinas City CenterDowntown TucsonUrban feel, arts, and dining

In exploring these neighborhoods more deeply, those moving from Maple Park in Salinas to Tucson will find Catalina Vista compelling with its historic homes and strong community ethos, reminiscent of the warmth and charm found back home. For those accustomed to the family-friendly environment and proximity to educational institutions in South Salinas, Sam Hughes in Tucson offers a seamless transition with its vibrant community spirit and access to the University of Arizona. Meanwhile, the cultural richness and liveliness of East Salinas are mirrored in Barrio Centro, where residents celebrate a diverse and vibrant culture. If you cherish urban exploration, you'll be drawn to Downtown Tucson, echoing Salinas City Center's dynamic arts scene, bustling restaurants like The Cup Cafe, and cultural landmarks such as the Tucson Museum of Art, ensuring a seamless transition into your new city life.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Tucson

Moving from one city to another often brings a mix of emotions and expectations. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Salinas, CA to Tucson, AZ through insightful comparisons. Understanding both the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations for your new life in Tucson.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less sunny days
  • Smaller cultural scene
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • More affordable living
  • More sunny days
  • Rich cultural scene
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • No coastal access
  • Less fresh produce
  • Hotter temperatures
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Proximity to the coast
  • Fresher produce
  • Milder climate

While Tucson can boast of a more affordable cost of living and a vibrant cultural scene with venues like the Tucson Museum of Art and historic sights such as the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, Salinas offers its residents fresher produce thanks to its proximity to farming areas and a milder climate. However, it's Tucson's affordability and sunny weather that often tip the scales for many. For those considering outdoor activities, Tucson's Sabino Canyon Recreation Area offers extensive trails, breathtaking vistas, and unique wildlife. Despite missing the coast, Tucson's rich cultural scene with events like the annual Tucson Festival of Books and various local eateries such as El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family in the U.S., more than makeup for it. Each city has unique offerings, but Tucson’s lower cost of living, combined with its sunnier weather, presents a compelling argument for those considering the move.

Salinas vs. Tucson Food Guide

When relocating, the local cuisine significantly impacts the cultural experience in a new city. To ensure you're well-informed on what culinary delights await, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas & Tucson . Let's dive into a comparative guide to help you navigate your upcoming gastronomic adventure.

SalinasTucson
Most iconic local food itemArtichoke dishesSonoran hot dog
Most popular meat dishTri-tip barbecueCarne asada
Most popular street food itemTacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSalad bowlsTofu Sonoran hot dogs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Restaurant 1
  • Restaurant 2
  • Restaurant 3
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Tucson, the Sonoran hot dog is not just a meal; it's an experience. This local delicacy, found in numerous neighborhoods including the bustling Downtown and the historic Fourth Avenue, is a culinary testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Tucson's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a notable emphasis on street foods that embody the essence of local flavors, such as street tacos available in nearly every corner of the city. Among Tucson's iconic restaurants, Restaurant A, situated in the heart of the city, stands out as a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive deep into local cuisine. The city's high ratings in foodie scene and vegan-friendly options ensure that regardless of your dietary preferences, there's something delicious waiting for you.

Salinas vs. Tucson Restaurant Comparison

Discovering a new favorite restaurant can make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart will help bridge the culinary gap from Salinas to Tucson , ensuring you find new go-to spots with familiar flavors. Delve into our guide to match your cherished Salinas eateries with Tucson's finest.

SalinasTucsonWhat You'll Love
Gino's Fine Italian FoodNorth ItaliaTraditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist
PatriaFeastSeasonal menus and global cuisine, high-end dining experience
First AwakeningsCup CafeQuirky, artistic vibe with a strong focus on breakfast and brunch
Salinas City BBQBrushfire BBQ Co.Known for their smoked meats and hearty sides
Eagle RestaurantSaigon PhoAuthentic Vietnamese food with a focus on fresh ingredients
The Growers PubReilly Craft Pizza & DrinkOffers craft beers and pizzas, similar pub atmosphere
La Casa Del SazonSeis KitchenCasual dining; highlights dishes from different regions of Mexico
Ellie's Great American RestaurantPrep & PastryOffers a modern American menu with a focus on brunch
Rancho Cielo CulinaryAugust Rhodes MarketNurtures a community vibe with locally sourced dishes
Taqueria El TapatioEl Charro CafeAuthentic Mexican cuisine, known for historic charm

When transitioning from Salinas to Tucson, you'll find that Tucson anticipates your dining preferences with exciting parallels. North Italia mirrors the cherished Italian flavors of Gino's, emphasizing fresh, handmade pastas and pizzas. For those who enjoyed the fine dining and international flair of Patria, Feast in Tucson offers a sophisticated menu that changes monthly, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. Fans of Salinas City BBQ's smoky delights will feel right at home at Brushfire BBQ Co., where the dedication to quality smoked meats and hearty sides is reminiscent of their Salinas counterpart. Exploring these Tucson establishments provides not just a taste of home, but also invites newcomers to join in the local culinary scene with open arms.

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Salinas vs. Tucson Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how the two cities compare. This comparison will delve into the vital facets of housing including cost, statistics, architecture, walkability, and more to give you a clear picture between Salinas and Tucson.

ComparisonSalinasTucson
Typical Architecture StyleModern Farmhouse, RanchSpanish Revival, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to agricultureMountain views, outdoor living spaces

When comparing Salinas and Tucson, the stark difference in median home prices and monthly rent stands out, highlighting Tucson as the more affordable option. Tucson's architecture, heavily influenced by its Spanish heritage, lends unique character to its homes, often featuring adobe-style construction and extensive outdoor living spaces to enjoy the desert landscape. Urban lifestyle scores are notably higher in Tucson, underpinned by its vibrant downtown area, encompassing local shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions, offering a higher walkability and bikeability compared to Salinas. These differences underscore the distinct lifestyle each city offers, making the choice between them as much about personal lifestyle preferences as it is about economic factors.

Salinas vs. Tucson Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding the change in climate you'll experience is crucial. Comparing the weather of Salinas, CA, and Tucson, AZ will help you prepare for what's ahead, emphasizing their differences in temperature, humidity, air quality, and seasonal challenges.

Summer icon
68°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
61°F / 43°F

Salinas, CA

66°F / 42°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15

Salinas, CA

12

Tucson, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Salinas, CA

0.3

Tucson, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalinasTucson
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHeatwaves, Monsoons
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Salinas and Tucson offer abundant sunshine, moving from Salinas to Tucson means you'll experience significantly warmer summers, with average highs jumping about 30°F. Tucson's arid climate leads to lower humidity and more extreme heat but less rainfall than Salinas. Prepare for higher UV exposure in Tucson, emphasizing the importance of sun protection. Air quality can vary in Tucson, influenced by season and weather, making it something to monitor for those with respiratory concerns. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more seamlessly to your new environment.

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

When you're planning to relocate, comparing financial aspects of your current and future cities can offer valuable insight. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxation, and average incomes between Salinas and Tucson is crucial for an effective transition. This chart aims to provide a straightforward comparison to assist in your financial planning for a smooth move.

ComparisonSalinasTucson
Avg. Household Income$80,154$50,306
Cost of Living Index136.496.5
State Income Tax9.3%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.79%0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%8.7%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailAerospace, Optics, Technology
AffluenceModerateModerately Low
PovertyHighHigher
HomelessnessConcerningVery Concerning

In transition from Salinas to Tucson, you'll find a significant difference in the cost of living and taxation. Salinas, with its high cost of living index (141), is markedly more expensive than Tucson, which sits at the national average of 100. This could result in more disposable income for you due to lower expenses in Tucson. Moreover, the difference in state income tax rates, 9.3% in Salinas compared to 4.5% in Tucson, can significantly affect your take-home pay. While both cities have their economic strengths, Tucson's focus on aerospace and technology sectors may offer unique job opportunities compared to the agriculture and manufacturing focus in Salinas. Understanding these financial nuances will help you make more informed decisions as you plan your move.

Salinas vs. Tucson Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Salinas, CA to Tucson, AZ, it's helpful to know not just about the climate or cost of living, but also about who your neighbors might be. This comparison of the politics between Salinas & Tucson provides a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup of these communities.

SalinasTucson
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate with a focus on agricultural and labor issuesProgressive with initiatives on environment and social equality
ReligionChristianity predominates, diverse religious communities presentChristianity predominates, significant presence of other faiths

Moving from Salinas to Tucson, you'll find that both cities have a Democratic-leaning political landscape, but Tucson tends to be more progressive, especially on environmental and social issues. This is reflected in local politics and policies. For instance, Tucson has been proactive with initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and promoting social equality. Religion is predominantly Christian in both cities, but you'll also find a vibrant tapestry of other faiths, contributing to the rich cultural diversity of each locale. This diversity can offer a welcoming environment, regardless of your personal beliefs.

Salinas vs. Tucson Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Salinas, CA to Tucson, AZ requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Tucson will help you get acquainted with what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonSalinasTucson
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?DifficultPossible, but challenging

While average commute times in Salinas and Tucson are similar, you'll find Tucson slightly less congested, possibly making your daily travel smoother. However, the level of traffic congestion in both cities suggests that you won't face significant delays. Public transportation in Tucson scores slightly higher than in Salinas, reflecting perhaps a slightly better availability and variety of options—such as the Sun Tran bus service in Tucson. Nevertheless, living without a car in both cities can be challenging, though slightly more feasible in Tucson. The difference in public transit scores between the two cities points to the need for careful planning if you aim to rely solely on public transportation.

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