Dayton, OH to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Dayton to Memphis typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 535 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Dayton to Memphis
Moving from Dayton, OH to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 535-mile move from Dayton to Memphis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,673 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,980 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,399 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Factors that impact moving costs from Dayton to Memphis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,500, but larger homes can run up to $9,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Dayton.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($500–$1,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Dayton, OH guide.
Best Dayton to Memphis movers by type
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Best professional movers from Dayton to Memphis
For a stress-free interstate move from Dayton to Memphis, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best OH→TN movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Ohio moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Dayton to Memphis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Memphis runs about 16% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Dayton.
Singles spend around $1,842 in Memphis versus $1,593 in Dayton; families pay $4,402 compared with $3,788.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dayton | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,192 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,683 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,593 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,788 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Memphis, note that rent can be roughly 40% more expensive than it is in Dayton; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 6% higher in Memphis than in Dayton.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 23% less in Memphis than in Dayton.
- Plan for higher expenses in Memphis, since the cost of living for a single person is 16% more than in Dayton. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Memphis, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 16% more than it is in Dayton.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 18% higher compared to Dayton, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 30% higher in Memphis than in Dayton. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Dayton with Memphis:
| Living Expense | Dayton | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.37 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.17 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.02 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.61 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $57.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.34 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Dayton than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Dayton than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dayton than in Memphis.
- Bread costs less in Dayton than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Dayton than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dayton than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Dayton than in Memphis.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Memphis
| Dayton | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 41 |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 40.68 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 360% greater than Dayton.
- Memphis's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Dayton's score of 6.
- Memphis is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Dayton, which has a score of 47.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 77.49 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Dayton with a score of 22.51 vs Dayton's 40.68.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Dayton it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton to Memphis move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Memphis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've chosen Bluff City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Memphis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it's time to see what Memphis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Memphis offers cultural landmarks like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Memphis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Dayton to Memphis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Dayton are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Memphis?
Because spring and fall moves from Dayton to Memphis are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Dayton to Memphis take?
A move of 535 miles from Dayton, OH to Memphis, TN generally takes one to six days. Movers in Dayton sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Memphis is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Dayton?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Dayton, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Dayton offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Dayton have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 3 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.