When moving from California to Tennessee, you’ll likely pay between $3,222–$7,126 with professional movers, roughly
$3,237 for a moving container, and about
$1,961
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Tennessee?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,282 – $4,788 | $1,153 – $2,916 | $1,176 – $2,293 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,222 – $7,126 | $2,154 – $4,320 | $1,273 – $2,649 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,422 – $10,533 | $2,899 – $5,727 | $1,704 – $3,312 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,282 – $4,788
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,222 – $7,126
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,422 – $10,533
How much do moving containers cost from California to Tennessee?
- Small move: $1,153 – $2,916
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,154 – $4,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,899 – $5,727
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,176 – $2,293
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,273 – $2,649
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,704 – $3,312
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,159-mile move from CA to TN using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to TN?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 9.55% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Tennessee?
Rent is about 44% lower in Tennessee than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,047
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 59% lower in Tennessee than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $319,208
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 30% lower in Tennessee than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $64,035
Is the overall cost of living higher in Tennessee?
The cost of living is 33% lower in Tennessee than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 10% higher in Tennessee than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 9.55%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Tennessee has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Tennessee compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Tennessee | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,126,489 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 28.43 |
Will Tennessee feel more crowded than California?
Tennessee is about 82% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Tennessee voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (88°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Tennessee is colder on average (27°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Tennessee?
Rain: Tennessee gets more rain (53″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (5 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Tennessee safer than California?
Tennessee and California have similar crime rates (29.24 vs. 28.43). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Tennessee?
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Tennessee move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Tennessee right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Tennessee?
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Tennessee?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Tennessee moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Tennessee?
You don’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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