($1,027+) Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $1,027 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,251 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,810 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,525, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,251 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,524 - $5,635, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,027 - $2,936.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,287 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 Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Moving options from Memphis to San Diego fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,287 - $7,042 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 64% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,810 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,810-mile route from Memphis to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,525 - $5,533, container $1,524 - $2,823, rental truck $1,027 - $2,078, freight trailer $1,345 - $2,464.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,287 - $7,042, container $1,930 - $3,953, rental truck $1,168 - $2,375, freight trailer $1,622 - $3,354.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,036 - $11,251, container $2,799 - $5,635, rental truck $1,386 - $2,936, freight trailer $2,111 - $4,122.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
For the 1,810-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California, full-service movers cost between $2,525 and $11,251. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $341 - $2,272 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,525 - $5,533
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,287 - $7,042
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,036 - $11,251
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 Memphis to San Diego.
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 Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Diego, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $568 - $5,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Guardian Moving Systems | $227 - $1,363/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,726 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,136 - $3,408 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,840 - $11,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $851 - $1,617 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $1,136 - $2,840 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $909 - $3,976 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $341 - $1,704 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $738 - $2,272 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,976+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to San Diego?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, 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 Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California, cost between $1,524 and $5,635. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to San Diego. If you go over that window, storage in Memphis adds around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $2,823
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,930 - $3,953
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,799 - $5,635
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Memphis, TN and San Diego, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $795 in Memphis, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $85 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $170 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to California 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 $1,524. 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 $1,930 - $3,953.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to San Diego?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
A rental truck for this 1,810-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California, costs between $1,027 and $2,936. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $654 - $748
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $2,078
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,168 - $2,375
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,386 - $2,936
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,027 - $2,936 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to San Diego. Fuel alone runs $654 - $748, and overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $654 - $748 for the 1,810-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $795.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,810-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $170 per night, adding $341 - $511 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $57 and $341.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to San Diego?
- 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 Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,622 and $3,354.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,345 - $2,464
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,622 - $3,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,111 - $4,122
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Memphis, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $795.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $85 - $170 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs San Diego, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Diego, side by side with Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 60.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, 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 181 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 1,810-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Memphis, TN, to San Diego, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,525 for a studio to $11,251 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,810-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,524 - $5,635. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,027 - $2,936, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,287 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include United States Navy and University of California, San Diego.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to San Diego, CA
Is San Diego a safe place to live?
San Diego has a safety index of 60.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.83, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA?
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 $1,168 - $2,375. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego?
For families, Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, and Loma Portal are worth a look in San Diego. If you're moving solo or without kids, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and North Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 San Diego run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.