($1,342+) Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN ranges from $1,286 to $11,502, with an average cost of $4,200. Moves can be as low as $1,342 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,128 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Los Angeles to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,286 - $11,502 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,200, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 2,128 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,128-mile route from Los Angeles to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,286 - $5,623 with full-service movers, $1,710 - $3,454 with a container, $1,316 - $2,540 with a rental truck, or $1,508 - $3,079 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,668 - $8,042 full-service, $2,124 - $4,752 by container, $1,342 - $2,817 by rental truck, or $1,771 - $3,838 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,017 - $11,502 full-service, $3,159 - $6,050 by container, $1,797 - $3,489 by rental truck, or $2,577 - $4,891 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,128-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,286 - $11,502. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $400 - $2,664. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Los Angeles and Chattanooga. Local movers in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,286 - $5,623
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,668 - $8,042
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,017 - $11,502
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 Los Angeles to Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Add-ons and specialty services from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Los Angeles to Chattanooga) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $666 - $6,660 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $266 - $1,598/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $400 - $3,197 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,332 - $3,996 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,330 - $13,320 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $998 - $1,895 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,332 - $3,330 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $1,066 - $4,662 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $400 - $1,998 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $866 - $2,664 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $400 - $19,980+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $400 - $4,662+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Chattanooga | $161/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Chattanooga | $71/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Chattanooga | $56/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Chattanooga?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Los Angeles, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,710 and $6,050. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Los Angeles runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,710 - $3,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,124 - $4,752
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,159 - $6,050
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $932, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $100 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $200 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Chattanooga, TN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Tennessee 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 $1,710. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,124 - $4,752, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Chattanooga?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,128 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, running $1,316 - $3,489. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $902 - $1,031
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,540
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,342 - $2,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,797 - $3,489
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,316 - $3,489 does not include fuel ($902 - $1,031) , lodging ($200/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Los Angeles to Chattanooga typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $932.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $902 - $1,031 for the 2,128-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $80 and $433, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $200 per night for hotel stops on the 2,128-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $400 - $599.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Chattanooga?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this route. Lower base rates than competitors, plus stackable discounts for AAA, military, and online bookings, make Budget the most cost-conscious choice.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is most reliable on this list. Their fleet is one of the newest in the industry, and Penske bundles unlimited mileage on one-way moves with 24/7 roadside assistance at no extra charge.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is our pick for best availability. With 23,000+ locations across North America and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the broadest network and the most reservation flexibility of any truck rental company.
Freight trailer costs from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN
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 Los Angeles, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,771 and $3,838.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $3,079
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,771 - $3,838
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,577 - $4,891
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 $100 and $200.
- 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 Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $932.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Chattanooga?
- 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.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chattanooga fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Chattanooga, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chattanooga, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 90 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,475/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $259,125 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $61,028/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 46.11/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Chattanooga, TN to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 680 real quotes from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN, 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,128-mile move.
Our take
The 2,128-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Chattanooga, TN, costs between $1,286 and $11,502 with full-service movers, $1,710 - $6,050 with a moving container, and $1,316 - $3,489 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,668 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Chattanooga, TN
What is the cheapest way to move from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN?
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 $1,342 - $2,817. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,286 to $11,502, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,286 and $11,502, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Los Angeles?
Local movers based in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Chattanooga run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is 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.
