($1,155+) Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN ranges from $1,260 to $11,090, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,155 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,969 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

Moving options from Riverside to Nashville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,260 - $11,090 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,969 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,969-mile route from Riverside to Nashville, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,260 - $5,076 $1,495 - $3,044 $1,144 - $2,183 $1,445 - $2,579
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,256 - $7,473 $1,934 - $4,391 $1,214 - $2,702 $1,644 - $3,513
4+ bedrooms $6,258 - $11,090 $2,898 - $5,807 $1,485 - $3,182 $2,118 - $4,375

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

Full-service movers for the 1,969-mile relocation from Riverside, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,260 and $11,090. 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 $362 - $2,412, 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 Riverside typically charge a base rate around $239 plus $75 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,260 - $5,076
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,256 - $7,473
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,258 - $11,090

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 Riverside to Nashville.

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.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Riverside movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Nashville, 56% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing73% of local movers$603 - $6,030
Storage in transitNew place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Burgess Moving and Storage$241 - $1,447/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$362 - $2,894
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers$1,206 - $3,618
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,015 - $12,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$903 - $1,716
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc.$1,206 - $3,015
PianoAny piano type33% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc.$965 - $4,221
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers$362 - $1,809
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationally$784 - $2,412
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$362 - $18,090+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$362 - $4,221+

What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to Nashville?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,495 and $5,807. 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 Riverside costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Riverside to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,495 - $3,044
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,934 - $4,391
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,898 - $5,807

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $90 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $181 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Nashville, 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 $844 in Riverside, 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 $1,495. 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 $1,934 - $4,391.

What are the best moving containers Riverside to Nashville?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Riverside 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 Riverside:

  • Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
  • JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
  • Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

Plan on $1,144 - $3,182 for a rental moving truck on the 1,969-mile route from Riverside, California, to Nashville, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $756 - $863
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Riverside daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Riverside to Nashville based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,144 - $2,183
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,214 - $2,702
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,485 - $3,182

Pro tip: A rental truck from Riverside to Nashville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,144 - $3,182. But once you factor in fuel ($756 - $863), overnight lodging ($181/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $756 - $863 for the 1,969-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Riverside, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $844.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,969-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $181 per night, adding $362 - $543 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $362.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside to Nashville?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN

For larger DIY moves from Riverside, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Nashville, Tennessee.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,644 and $3,513.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,445 - $2,579
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,513
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,118 - $4,375

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?

  • 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 $90 - $181 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Riverside, California, for about five hours typically runs $844.

What are the best freight companies from Riverside to Nashville?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Riverside to Nashville. 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: Riverside, CA vs Nashville, TN

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Nashville, side by side with Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Riverside, CA Nashville, TN
Cost of living index131105
Average rent$2,295/mo$1,971/mo
Median home value$539,898$382,847
Average income$88,575/yr$75,197/yr
Unemployment rate7.1%4.5%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score43/10096/100
Safety index59.76/10050.9/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Nashville, TN to Riverside, CA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,969-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before they book.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking with a moveBuddha Certified mover gets you dedicated support from start to finish.
✓
Dispute mediation
We help resolve issues with Certified movers if a problem comes up.

Our take

For a move from Riverside, CA, to Nashville, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,260 for a studio to $11,090 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,969-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,495 - $5,807. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,144 - $3,182, 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 $3,256 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 HCA Healthcare and Access Control Systems.

FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Nashville, TN

How much does it cost to move from Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN?

Costs on this route range from around $1,155 to $11,090, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,260 and $11,090, 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 Nashville?

Nashville has a walkability score of 96 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 43 and 49 in Riverside. 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 ($756 - $863), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $181/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 Riverside, CA to Nashville, 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 percentage of Riverside movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 33% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.