Moving from Nashville to Memphis, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Memphis costs between $301 to $6,271 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 Nashville to Memphis
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Nashville to Memphis 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 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 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 | $1,724 - $5,067 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,174 - $2,199 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $295 - $601 | 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 Memphis?
It costs between $301 to $6,271 to move from Nashville to Memphis. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,049 - $6,271
- Moving containers: $960 - $2,983
- Rental trucks: $301 - $709
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,049 - $4,323 | $960 - $1,655 | $301 - $518 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,724 - $5,067 | $1,174 - $2,199 | $295 - $601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,411 - $6,271 | $1,685 - $2,983 | $400 - $709 |
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 Memphis
At 212 miles, your Nashville 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 Nashville to Memphis. 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
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Nashville to Memphis. 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 Memphis to Nashville guide.
Considerations when moving from Nashville to Memphis
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Memphis
Comparing life in Nashville and Memphis 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 Memphis stacks up against Nashville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Nashville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,971 | $1,299 |
| Average home cost | $382,847 | $154,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,197 | $51,211 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.75% |
- Rent prices in Memphis are 34% lower than in Nashville, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Memphis are 60% lower than in Nashville, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Memphis is 32% lower than in Nashville, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Memphis means you’ll spend 41% less on living expenses than you would in Nashville. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Memphis, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 48% lower than in Nashville. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Memphis is 78% higher than in Nashville. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in Memphis and Nashville, 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 Nashville, you’d need roughly $1,770 to maintain the same lifestyle in Memphis.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Memphis
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Memphis compared to Nashville. 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.
| Nashville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 633,104 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 54" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 3" |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 77.49 |
Memphis sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Memphis has about 8% fewer people than Nashville. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis leaned Democratic, while Nashville leaned Republican.
- Moving between Nashville and Memphis won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 91°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Nashville and Memphis experience similar lows—expect 27°F in Nashville and 30°F in Memphis.
- Both Nashville and Memphis experience similar annual rainfall, with Nashville receiving 49 inches and Memphis getting 54 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Nashville and Memphis, with Nashville getting about 4 inches and Memphis seeing 3 inches.
- Crime is higher in Memphis (77.49) than in Nashville (49.1).
Things to do in Memphis
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Memphis.
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 Nashville to Memphis?
Shipping furniture from Nashville to Memphis with a mover will cost between $979 and $3,394. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,724–$5,067, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Nashville to Memphis will cost from $2,411–$6,271.
How much are moving container companies from Nashville to Memphis?
If you're moving from Nashville to Memphis and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $706 to $1,516. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,174 and $2,199. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,685 up to $2,983.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Memphis?
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 $284 and $523. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $295 to $601. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Nashville to Memphis, truck rental prices typically range from $400 up to $709.
How far in advance should I book Nashville-to-Memphis movers?
For a smooth move from Nashville to Memphis, 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 Memphis?
To score the best moving deals to Memphis, 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.
