($534+) Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Nashville, TN, runs anywhere from $534 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,138 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 804 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,679, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,138 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,107 - $3,623, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $534 - $1,526.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Nashville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,148 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Nashville: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,148 - $5,619. Moving containers run about 37% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 71% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 804-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 804-mile route from Philadelphia to Nashville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,679 - $4,289 | $1,107 - $1,903 | $534 - $1,090 | $910 - $1,713 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,148 - $5,619 | $1,355 - $2,560 | $624 - $1,283 | $1,095 - $2,091 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,619 - $7,138 | $1,892 - $3,623 | $782 - $1,526 | $1,470 - $2,814 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
Full-service movers for the 804-mile relocation from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,679 and $7,138. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $313 - $2,088, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Philadelphia typically charge a base rate around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,679 - $4,289
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,148 - $5,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,619 - $7,138
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Nashville.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Nashville, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc. | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Nashville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,107 and $3,623. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $1,903
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,355 - $2,560
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,892 - $3,623
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Nashville, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $731 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,107. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,355 - $2,560.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Nashville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
Truck rentals from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee, range from $534 - $1,526 for the 804-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $267 - $305
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Nashville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $534 - $1,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $624 - $1,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $782 - $1,526
Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Nashville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $534 - $1,526. But once you factor in fuel ($267 - $305), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $731.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $267 - $305 for the 804-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $63 and $339, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night for hotel stops on the 804-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $313 - $470.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Nashville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $940 and $2,091.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,713
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,470 - $2,814
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $157 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $731.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Nashville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Philadelphia to Nashville, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Nashville, TN
Philadelphia and Nashville land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Philadelphia and 105 in Nashville, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $1,971/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 75 vs 96 and safety scores are 33.91 vs 50.9.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville, TN to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 267 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 804-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Philadelphia, PA, to Nashville, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,679 - $7,138 on the 804-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,107 - $3,623 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $534 - $1,526 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,148 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include HCA Healthcare and Access Control Systems.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Nashville, TN
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Nashville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Nashville?
For families, Belmont-Hillsboro, Buena Vista, and Green Hills are worth a look in Nashville. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Germantown, and The Gulch tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Nashville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $624 - $1,283. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Nashville a safe place to live?
Nashville has a safety index of 50.9 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.1, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.