($1,290+) Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,365 to $11,971, with an average cost of $4,200. Moves can be as low as $1,290 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 $1,365 - $11,971 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 2,078 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 $1,365 - $5,611 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,653 - $3,081), rental truck ($1,240 - $2,440), or freight trailer ($1,565 - $3,065). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,640 - $8,017 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,971.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 23, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,078-mile move from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,365 - $11,971. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $456 - $3,040. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Oakland and Memphis. Local movers in Oakland typically start around $281 as a base rate plus $147/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,365 - $5,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,640 - $8,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,825 - $11,971
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.
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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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $760 - $7,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | $304 - $1,824/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $456 - $3,648 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% 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 items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,520 - $3,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,216 - $5,320 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $456 - $2,280 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Big Family Movers | $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 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 Oakland, CA, 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 Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,653 and $6,020. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Oakland typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,653 - $3,081
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,250 - $4,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,115 - $6,020
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $114 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $228 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Memphis, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,064 in Oakland, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,653. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,250 - $4,320, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,078 miles from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, running $1,240 - $3,415. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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 - $2,440
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,759
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,415
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,240 - $3,415 does not include fuel ($1,005 - $1,149) , lodging ($228/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Oakland to Memphis typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $114 and $532.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $228.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,005 and $1,149 for the 2,078-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,064 for 2 movers in Oakland, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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 well suited for larger moves from Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, 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 $1,818 and $3,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,565 - $3,065
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,818 - $3,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,420 - $4,767
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Oakland, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,064.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $114 and $228 per foot.
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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Oakland to Memphis. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee, 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 375 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,078-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Oakland, CA, to Memphis, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,365 - $11,971 on the 2,078-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,653 - $6,020 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,240 - $3,415 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,640 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Memphis, TN
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 is the best time of year to move from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
