Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis costs between $418 to $7,736 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 339-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chattanooga to Memphis
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chattanooga to Memphis are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chattanooga to driving and unloading in Memphis, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 339 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,106 - $6,089 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,383 - $2,633 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $406 - $902 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $99/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
It costs between $418 to $7,736 to move from Chattanooga to Memphis. The prices below break down your 339-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,253 - $7,736
- Moving containers: $1,092 - $3,117
- Rental trucks: $418 - $1,059
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,253 - $4,451 | $1,092 - $1,802 | $418 - $732 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,106 - $6,089 | $1,383 - $2,633 | $406 - $902 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,137 - $7,736 | $1,756 - $3,117 | $514 - $1,059 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chattanooga to Memphis
At 339 miles, your Chattanooga to Memphis move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chattanooga to Memphis. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 339 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Good Guys Moving & Delivery is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chattanooga to Memphis. They've been in business since 2014 (12 years of experience) and 93.9% of their 245 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis to Chattanooga guide.
Considerations when moving from Chattanooga to Memphis
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Memphis
When comparing the cost of living between Chattanooga and Memphis, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand 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% |
- Rent in Memphis is about 12% cheaper than in Chattanooga, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Memphis are 40% lower than in Chattanooga, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Memphis is 16% lower than in Chattanooga. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Memphis is 44% lower than in Chattanooga. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- Your cost of living in Memphis will be roughly the same as it was in Chattanooga, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Memphis is 43% higher than in Chattanooga. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Memphis and Chattanooga, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
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
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Memphis vs. Chattanooga. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Memphis is around 250% bigger than Chattanooga. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis leaned Democratic, while Chattanooga went Republican.
- Both Memphis and Chattanooga average summer highs close to 91°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Chattanooga and Memphis experience similar winter lows, with Chattanooga reaching 28°F and Memphis getting down to 30°F.
- Both Chattanooga and Memphis see about the same yearly rainfall—Chattanooga averages 51 inches, while Memphis gets 54 inches each year.
- Both Chattanooga and Memphis get about the same amount of snow annually—Chattanooga averages 2 inches, while Memphis gets 3 inches.
- Memphis has a higher crime rate than Chattanooga, with a crime index of 77.49 vs 53.89.
Things to do in Memphis
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Memphis has you covered.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Memphis?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Chattanooga to Memphis, expect to pay between $1,236 and $3,701 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,106 and $6,089. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,137 up to $7,736 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Memphis?
If you’re moving from Chattanooga to Memphis and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $770 and go up to $1,877. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,383 and $2,633. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,756 and $3,117.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $390 to $754. A larger move will cost $406 to $902, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Chattanooga to Memphis costs from $514 to $1,059.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Memphis movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Chattanooga to Memphis at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Chattanooga-to-Memphis movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
To save money on your move to Memphis, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
