Moving from Memphis to Nashville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Nashville costs between $281 to $6,931 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 212-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Memphis to Nashville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Memphis to Nashville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Memphis to driving and unloading in Nashville, 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 212 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,759 - $5,219 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,248 - $2,222 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $310 - $637 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Cord Moving and Storage | $125/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 Memphis to Nashville?
It costs between $281 to $6,931 to move from Memphis to Nashville. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,006 - $6,931
- Moving containers: $969 - $2,926
- Rental trucks: $281 - $687
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,006 - $4,240 | $969 - $1,605 | $281 - $508 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,759 - $5,219 | $1,248 - $2,222 | $310 - $637 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,317 - $6,931 | $1,541 - $2,926 | $392 - $687 |
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 | $258 - $2,150+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $45/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $172 - $688 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $43 - $172 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Memphis to Nashville
At 212 miles, your Memphis to Nashville 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 Memphis to Nashville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 212 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
The Armstrong Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Memphis to Nashville. They've been in business since 1957 (69 years of experience) and 91.1% of their 213 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville to Memphis guide.
Considerations when moving from Memphis to Nashville
Cost of living: Memphis vs. Nashville
Comparing life in Memphis and Nashville goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Nashville stacks up against Memphis.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Memphis | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,971 |
| Average home cost | $154,209 | $382,847 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,211 | $75,197 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.75% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 52% higher than in Memphis. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Nashville are 148% higher than in Memphis. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Nashville is 47% higher than in Memphis, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 69% higher in Nashville compared to Memphis. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Nashville, expect living costs to be about 92% higher than in Memphis. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Nashville a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is 44% lower than in Memphis, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Nashville and Memphis, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Memphis, you’d need roughly $5,070 to maintain the same lifestyle in Nashville.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Nashville
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Nashville compared to Memphis. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Memphis | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 689,447 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 54" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 4" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 49.1 |
Nashville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Nashville is approximately 9% greater than the population of Memphis. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Nashville leaned Republican, while Memphis leaned Democratic.
- Moving between Memphis and Nashville won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 89°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Memphis and Nashville experience similar lows—expect 30°F in Memphis and 27°F in Nashville.
- Both Memphis and Nashville experience similar annual rainfall, with Memphis receiving 54 inches and Nashville getting 49 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Memphis and Nashville, with Memphis getting about 3 inches and Nashville seeing 4 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Nashville, thanks to its lower crime index (49.1) compared to Memphis (77.49).
Things to do in Nashville
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Nashville.
Museums in Nashville
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
- The Johnny Cash Museum
- RCA Studio B
- Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Parks in Nashville
- Centennial Park
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Edwin and Percy Warner Parks
- Riverfront Park
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Sports teams in Nashville
- Tennessee Titans (NFL)
- Nashville Predators (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
Universities in Nashville
- Tennessee State University
- Vanderbilt University
- Belmont University
- Lipscomb University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Memphis to Nashville?
Shipping furniture from Memphis to Nashville with a mover will cost between $950 and $3,463. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,759–$5,219, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Memphis to Nashville will cost from $2,317–$6,931.
How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Nashville?
If you're moving from Memphis to Nashville and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $673 to $1,564. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,248 and $2,222. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,541 up to $2,926.
How much is a moving truck from Memphis to Nashville?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $296 and $539. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $310 to $637. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Memphis to Nashville, truck rental prices typically range from $392 up to $687.
How far in advance should I book Memphis-to-Nashville movers?
For a smooth move from Memphis to Nashville, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
To score the best moving deals to Nashville, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
