The 887-mile lane from Dallas to Phoenix crosses state lines from TX into AZ, which means FMCSA-regulated interstate pricing and around 13 hours of driving. For a typical 2-bedroom home, our full-service estimate for this Dallas-to-Phoenix move is $2,400–$5,800 (midpoint about $4,100). Containers and DIY truck rentals can cost less.
The drive from Dallas to Phoenix
Most trucks leave Dallas–Fort Worth on I-20 west, cross the flat ranch country of West Texas through Abilene and Midland–Odessa, pick up I-10 near Pecos, and stay on I-10 through El Paso, Las Cruces and Tucson into Phoenix. It is a long, open drive with big gaps between towns west of Midland, so a rental-truck driver should fill up whenever the tank drops to half. El Paso is the usual overnight stop if you drive yourself over two days. Watch the clock too: Texas is on Central Time, El Paso is on Mountain Time, and Arizona does not use daylight saving time, so in summer Phoenix is two hours behind Dallas.
When to move to Phoenix
Phoenix summers are brutal for moving. Afternoon highs above 110°F are common in June, July and August, and the National Weather Service also marks June 15 to September 30 as Arizona's monsoon season, with sudden dust storms (haboobs) and flash floods. If you must move in summer, load and unload at dawn, keep pets and medicine in an air-conditioned car, and never leave candles, vinyl records, electronics or aerosol cans in a hot truck. October through March is far kinder, which is why those months are popular on this route.
Your first weeks in Arizona
Here is what to plan for after you arrive, based on Arizona's own agencies. Rules change, so confirm deadlines on the linked official sites.
- Arizona has a flat state income tax, while Texas has none on wages, so check your take-home pay with the Arizona Department of Revenue's tools before you move.
- Most cars registered in the Phoenix metro area need an emissions test before registration through Arizona's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. Check whether yours qualifies on the ADOT MVD site.
- Get your Arizona driver license and registration at an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office or an authorized third-party provider; ADOT lists the documents you need.
- Phoenix runs on Mountain Standard Time all year. Reset clocks, school pick-up times and work calls after the move.
Local tips for both ends of the move
Many Phoenix-area homes have pools, xeriscaped yards and HOA rules. Before move day, ask your HOA whether moving trucks may park on the street and for how long. Garages get extremely hot in summer, so don't store paint, wine or photos there. Dallas renters should check their lease for move-out cleaning and key-return deadlines, since the two-day drive makes coming back for a forgotten walk-through costly.
Moving out of Dallas
Before you leave Dallas, return your toll tag or move it to your new car's account: North Texas toll roads bill through NTTA TollTag, and leftover tolls on a car you no longer drive can follow you. Cancel your Texas electricity plan with a move-out date, since early-cancellation fees on many Texas retail plans are waived when you move but only if you tell the provider. Pack a summer car kit for the trip west: water, a sunshade, a phone charger and snacks, because the drive between Midland and El Paso has long empty stretches.
What drives the price on this route
On interstate moves, price is driven mostly by the weight of your things and the distance, plus extras like packing, stairs, long carries and storage. On this route, summer demand and heat-related scheduling can push prices up, while winter is often cheaper. If you drive a rental truck yourself, budget for fuel over a long, empty stretch of West Texas and one night in a hotel.
Sources
- ADOT Motor Vehicle Division
- Arizona Department of Revenue
- National Weather Service Phoenix
- Texas Comptroller: taxes
- FMCSA: Protect Your Move
Cost ranges are Quote.global estimates for a typical 2-bedroom home, not quotes. Rules and rates checked October 2026.
Best time to move this route
Summer is the busiest season for movers. Our calculator adds 25% for June–August moves, so moving outside summer lowers your Dallas–Phoenix estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Dallas to Phoenix?
Our estimate for full-service movers is $2,400–$5,800 for a typical 2-bedroom household on the Dallas-to-Phoenix lane, with a midpoint around $4,100. Get written estimates before you book.
How long does the Dallas to Phoenix move take?
The 887-mile drive runs about 13 hours, so plan on 1 day for the truck. Ask each mover for the delivery window in writing.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Phoenix?
For this route we suggest October, November, February. Our calculator adds 25% for June–August moves.
Is Phoenix on a different time zone from Dallas?
Yes. Dallas is on Central Time. Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time all year because Arizona doesn't use daylight saving time, so it is one hour behind Dallas in winter and two hours behind in summer.
When is the worst time to move from Dallas to Phoenix?
Mid-summer. Phoenix often tops 110°F in June through August, and monsoon storms run from June 15 to September 30. October through March is much easier.
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