Moving from Nashville to Memphis, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Memphis costs $287–$6,933, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 212-mile route within Tennessee take 1–2 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 Nashville to Memphis?
Moving from Nashville 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 212-mile move:
Moving from Nashville to Memphis costs between $287 and $6,933, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,706–$5,322 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,272–$2,313 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $319–$625 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $120/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 Nashville to Memphis?
Moving from Nashville to Memphis costs between $287 and $6,933, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,123–$6,933
- Moving containers: $1,008–$3,042
- Rental trucks: $287–$709
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 212 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,123–$4,408 | $1,008–$1,654 | $287–$497 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,706–$5,322 | $1,272–$2,313 | $319–$625 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,507–$6,933 | $1,669–$3,042 | $381–$709 |
*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 Nashville to Memphis move?
The most common extra fees on a Nashville to Memphis move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 | $120/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 Nashville to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Nashville to Memphis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 212 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 Nashville 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 212 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 Nashville guide.
How does Memphis compare to Nashville?
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Memphis
Cost-of-living differences between Nashville and Memphis extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Memphis compares to 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Nashville 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 prices in Memphis are 34% lower than in Nashville. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Memphis are 60% lower than Nashville. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
- Average income in Memphis is 32% lower than Nashville. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
- Living expenses for one person in Memphis are 41% lower than Nashville. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Memphis is 48% lower than Nashville. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
- Unemployment in Memphis runs 78% higher than Nashville. Confirm employer offers in writing before committing to the move.
- Sales taxes match in Memphis and Nashville. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live 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
Life in Memphis compared to Nashville differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps 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 is 8% smaller in size than Nashville. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis leaned Democratic, while Nashville leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Memphis (91°F) match Nashville (89°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Nashville (27°F) and Memphis (30°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Nashville (49 inches) and Memphis (54 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall is similar in Nashville (4 inches) and Memphis (3 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
- Crime index in Memphis (77.49) is higher than Nashville (49.1). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.
Things to do in Memphis
Memphis offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in 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 Nashville to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Nashville 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 $287–$6,933 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 Nashville to Memphis
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Nashville to Memphis?
A full-service move from Nashville to Memphis costs $988–$3,601 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,706 to $5,322, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Nashville to Memphis costs from $2,507 to $6,933.
How much are moving container companies from Nashville to Memphis?
Moving containers from Nashville to Memphis cost $673–$1,660 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,272 and $2,313. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,669–$3,042.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Memphis?
A rental moving truck from Nashville to Memphis costs $307–$529 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $319–$625. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $381–$709.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Nashville-to-Memphis movers?
Book your movers for a Nashville to Memphis move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
The cheapest moving deals to Memphis fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
