Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Sacramento typically costs $4,100–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,084 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Memphis to Sacramento
Moving from Memphis, TN to Sacramento, CA typically costs $4,100–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,084-mile move from Memphis to Sacramento, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $7,094 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,857 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $7,913 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Memphis to Sacramento
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Memphis to Sacramento may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Memphis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$3,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Best Memphis to Sacramento movers by type
|
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Memphis to Sacramento
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Memphis to Sacramento. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 TN→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 71 Tennessee moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Sacramento
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Sacramento runs about 44% higher for singles and 41% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $2,656 in Sacramento versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $6,191 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 46% more expensive in Sacramento than in Memphis. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 232% steeper in Sacramento compared to Memphis.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 64% greater in Sacramento than in Memphis, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Sacramento, with the cost of living for a single person being 44% more than in Memphis. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Sacramento, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 41% higher than in Memphis.
- Sacramento and Memphis have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Sacramento compared to Memphis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- California has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Memphis versus Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Memphis than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Memphis than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Memphis than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Memphis than in Sacramento.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Memphis than in Sacramento.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Sacramento
| Memphis | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 67 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento's population is about 17% less than Memphis.
- Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Memphis's score of 4.
- Sacramento is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Sacramento's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 49.21 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Sacramento is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 50.79 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Memphis it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Sacramento move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sacramento. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Sacramento
With your sights set on Almond Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Sacramento. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Sacramento?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Memphis to Sacramento. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Sacramento?
Want to save on your move from Memphis to Sacramento? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Memphis to Sacramento take?
The 2,084-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Sacramento, CA, takes six to 17 days. Some Memphis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Sacramento.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Memphis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Memphis provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.