($1,193+) Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,313 to $10,848, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,193 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,078 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 Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving options from Oakland to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,313 - $10,848 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,078 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 2,078-mile route from Oakland to Memphis, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,313 - $5,132 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,640 - $3,090), rental truck ($1,240 - $2,347), or freight trailer ($1,519 - $2,753). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,399 - $7,414 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,848.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
For the 2,078-mile move from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,313 and $10,848. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $456 - $3,040 (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 Oakland generally start around $281 plus $147 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,313 - $5,132
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,399 - $7,414
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,501 - $10,848
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 Oakland to Memphis.
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 Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $760 - $7,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $304 - $1,824/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $456 - $3,648 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,520 - $4,560 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,800 - $15,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,138 - $2,163 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,520 - $3,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,216 - $5,320 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $456 - $2,280 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $988 - $3,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $456 - $22,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $456 - $5,320+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Oakland, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,640 and $6,083. 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 Memphis. If you go over that window, storage in Oakland adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,640 - $3,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,143 - $4,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,796 - $6,083
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Oakland, CA and Memphis, TN. 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 $1,064 in Oakland, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $114 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $228 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 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 $1,640. 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 $2,143 - $4,461.
What are the best moving containers Oakland to Memphis?
- 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Truck rentals from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, range from $1,240 - $3,420 for the 2,078-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,005 - $1,149
- Daily insurance: $46/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,240 - $2,347
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,329 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,420
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,240 - $3,420 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Oakland to Memphis. Fuel ($1,005 - $1,149), lodging at around $228/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $228 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $99 and $494 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,005 - $1,149 in fuel for the 2,078-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,064 in Oakland, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland to Memphis?
- 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 Oakland, CA to Memphis, 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 Oakland, California, to Memphis, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,732 and $3,534.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,519 - $2,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,404
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $114 - $228 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Oakland, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,064.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Memphis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Oakland, CA vs Memphis, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 22.51/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Tennessee, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,078-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Oakland, CA, to Memphis, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,313 for a studio to $10,848 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,078-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,640 - $6,083. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,240 - $3,420, 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 $3,399 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 FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Memphis, TN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,193 to $10,848, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,313 and $10,848, 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.
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 75 and 65 in Oakland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,005 - $1,149), daily insurance ($46/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $228/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.