($1,120+) Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $1,109 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,777 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,443, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,777 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,644 - $5,566, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,109 - $3,014.
- 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 $3,582 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,582 - $7,762 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,810-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,443 - $5,571 with full-service movers, $1,644 - $3,017 with a container, $1,109 - $2,091 with a rental truck, or $1,480 - $2,662 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,582 - $7,762 full-service, $2,042 - $4,350 by container, $1,139 - $2,615 by rental truck, or $1,667 - $3,179 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,068 - $10,777 full-service, $2,764 - $5,566 by container, $1,452 - $3,014 by rental truck, or $2,279 - $4,723 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,810-mile relocation from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California, cost between $2,443 and $10,777. 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 $341 - $2,272, 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 Memphis typically charge a base rate 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: $2,443 - $5,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,582 - $7,762
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,068 - $10,777
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Diego, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $568 - $5,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $227 - $1,363/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,726 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% 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 items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,136 - $2,840 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $909 - $3,976 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $341 - $1,704 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $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?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 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 $1,644 and $5,566. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Memphis costs roughly $45/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,644 - $3,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,042 - $4,350
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,764 - $5,566
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $795 in Memphis, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $85 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $170 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your San Diego, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,644. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,042 - $4,350, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA
Plan on $1,109 - $3,014 for a rental moving truck on the 1,810-mile route from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $1,109 - $2,091
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,615
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,452 - $3,014
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,109 - $3,014 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 an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $170 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Memphis, Tennessee, usually costs about $795 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,810-mile drive falls between $654 and $748, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $341 to your total.
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 well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Diego, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,667 and $3,179.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,480 - $2,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,667 - $3,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,723
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $85 and $170.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $795.
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.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,810-mile move like this one.
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 $2,443 for a studio to $10,777 for a 4 - 5 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 $1,644 - $5,566. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,109 - $3,014, 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 $3,582 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
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
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 walkable is San Diego?
San Diego has a walkability score of 53 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.