Moving from Nashville to Chattanooga, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Chattanooga costs between $178 to $5,154 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 132-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Nashville to Chattanooga
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Nashville to Chattanooga are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Nashville to driving and unloading in Chattanooga, 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 132 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,425 - $4,282 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,119 - $1,987 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $177 - $344 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 6th Man Movers | $120/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 Nashville to Chattanooga?
It costs between $178 to $5,154 to move from Nashville to Chattanooga. The prices below break down your 132-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $774 - $5,154
- Moving containers: $829 - $2,433
- Rental trucks: $178 - $371
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $774 - $3,667 | $829 - $1,444 | $178 - $267 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,425 - $4,282 | $1,119 - $1,987 | $177 - $344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,924 - $5,154 | $1,355 - $2,433 | $221 - $371 |
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 | $315 - $2,625+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $210 - $840 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $210 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Nashville to Chattanooga
At 132 miles, your Nashville to Chattanooga 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 Nashville to Chattanooga. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 132 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Nashville to Chattanooga. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 79.3% of their 58 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to Nashville guide.
Considerations when moving from Nashville to Chattanooga
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Chattanooga
The cost of living in Nashville vs. Chattanooga goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Chattanooga stacks up against Nashville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Nashville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,971 | $1,475 |
| Average home cost | $382,847 | $259,125 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,197 | $61,028 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent in Chattanooga is roughly 25% less expensive than in Nashville. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Chattanooga are 32% lower than in Nashville, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Chattanooga is 19% lower than in Nashville. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 6% higher than in Nashville, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- The living costs for a family of four are 49% lower in Chattanooga than in Nashville. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Chattanooga is 24% higher than in Nashville. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Chattanooga and Nashville, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Nashville, expect to budget around $3,180 to maintain the same lifestyle in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Chattanooga
As you plan your move, comparing life in Nashville vs. Chattanooga is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Nashville and Chattanooga to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Nashville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 181,099 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 53.8-44.1 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 2" |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 53.89 |
Chattanooga sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Chattanooga is about 74% less populated than Nashville. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Nashville and Chattanooga siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Chattanooga and Nashville are nearly identical, with averages around 89°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Nashville and Chattanooga experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 27°F and 28°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Nashville to Chattanooga. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 49 inches in Nashville and 51 inches in Chattanooga.
- Both Nashville and Chattanooga receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Nashville averaging 4 inches and Chattanooga seeing 2 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Chattanooga, with an index of 53.89, compared to Nashville at 49.1.
Things to do in Chattanooga
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Chattanooga has something for everyone.
Museums in Chattanooga
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Coker Museum - Honest Charley
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Museum
Parks in Chattanooga
- Coolidge Park Tennessee
- Riverpark Ross's Landing Park
- Enterprise South Nature Park
- Chickamauga Dam
- Tennessee River Park
Sports teams in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
Universities in Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Tennessee Temple University
- University of Tennessee -College of Medicine
- Richmont Graduate University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Nashville to Chattanooga?
Moving your furniture from Nashville to Chattanooga with a professional moving company usually ranges from $734 to $3,044. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,425 and $4,282. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,924 to $5,154 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Nashville to Chattanooga?
If you’re moving from Nashville to Chattanooga and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $595 to $1,395. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,119 and $1,987. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,355 to $2,433.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Chattanooga?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $162 and $281. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $177 to $344. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Nashville to Chattanooga, rental prices generally fall between $221 and $371.
How far in advance should I book Nashville-to-Chattanooga movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Nashville to Chattanooga at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Nashville-to-Chattanooga movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chattanooga?
If you want to save money on your move to Chattanooga, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
