Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis costs $382–$8,381, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 339-mile route within Tennessee take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 339-mile move:
Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis costs between $382 and $8,381, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 339-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,085–$6,089 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,383–$2,453 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $432–$893 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $99/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 71+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
A move from Chattanooga to Memphis runs $382 to $8,381, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 339-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $1,292–$8,381
- Moving containers: $1,113–$3,413
- Rental trucks: $382–$977
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 339 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,292–$4,359 | $1,113–$1,896 | $382–$747 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,085–$6,089 | $1,383–$2,453 | $432–$893 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,329–$8,381 | $1,882–$3,413 | $557–$977 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 71+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Chattanooga to Memphis move?
Common extra fees on a Chattanooga to Memphis move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Chattanooga to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Chattanooga to Memphis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 339 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Memphis. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Tennessee, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 339 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis to Chattanooga guide.
How does Memphis compare to Chattanooga?
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Memphis
The cost of living in Chattanooga vs. Memphis goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Memphis stacks up against Chattanooga.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chattanooga | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,299 |
| Average home cost | $259,125 | $154,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,028 | $51,211 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Chattanooga and Memphis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Memphis is about 12% cheaper than Chattanooga. Renters often use the difference to upgrade location, size, or building amenities.
- Home prices in Memphis are 40% lower than Chattanooga. Equity from a Chattanooga sale typically buys more square footage in Memphis.
- Average income in Memphis is 16% lower than Chattanooga. Confirm the move pencils out by checking whether housing and daily expenses drop by a similar margin.
- Cost of living for one person in Memphis is 44% lower than Chattanooga. Apply the difference to debt paydown, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 matches across Memphis and Chattanooga. Plan the move on existing household budget assumptions.
- Unemployment in Memphis runs 43% higher than Chattanooga. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes are equal in Memphis and Chattanooga. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,680 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Memphis
Life in Memphis vs. Chattanooga differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Chattanooga | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 633,104 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 54" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 3" |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 77.49 |
- Memphis is around 250% larger in size than Chattanooga. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis leaned Democratic, while Chattanooga went Republican.
- Summer highs in Memphis (91°F) match Chattanooga (89°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Chattanooga (28°F) and Memphis (30°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Chattanooga (51 inches) and Memphis (54 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall matches across Chattanooga (2 inches) and Memphis (3 inches). Plowing, gear, and winter driving expectations carry over.
- Crime index in Memphis (77.49) is higher than Chattanooga (53.89). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Memphis
Memphis balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Memphis
- Graceland
- National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Parks in Memphis
- Shelby Farms Park
- Mud Island River Park
- Tom Lee Park
- Levitt Shell
- Overton Park
Sports teams in Memphis
- Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
- Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)
Universities in Memphis
- University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
- LeMoyne-Owen College
Final verdict: best movers from Chattanooga to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Memphis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $382–$8,381 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Memphis
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Memphis?
A professional moving company from Chattanooga to Memphis charges $1,164–$3,701 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $2,085–$6,089. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $3,329–$8,381.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Memphis typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $755 and go up to $1,860. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,383 and $2,453. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,882–$3,413.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Memphis?
A rental moving truck from Chattanooga to Memphis costs $386–$732 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $432–$893, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $557–$977.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Memphis movers?
Book your move from Chattanooga to Memphis at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Chattanooga-to-Memphis movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
The cheapest time to move to Memphis is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
