Quick answer: For a 1,778-mile move from San Diego to Memphis, expect to spend around $1,318–$7,941 and five to 16 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Memphis to San Diego guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
From California to Tennessee, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. San Diego has 24 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.
After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in San Diego for every moving option.
Professional
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Memphis
For an interstate move from San Diego to Memphis, choosing a full-service mover means you won’t have to manage the packing, loading, or transport yourself. These companies handle the details so you can concentrate on your schedule and plans for settling in.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for full-service movers equipped to get you from San Diego to Memphis efficiently and with minimal stress.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in San Diego?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to TN move
Local moving companies servicing San Diego to Memphis moves
When planning a move from San Diego to Memphis, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in San Diego who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Diego to Memphis.
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0154190
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 2059504
Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Memphis?
San Diego movers charge $200 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,394 - $5,649 | $1,290 - $2,941 | $1,147 - $2,208 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,441 - $7,941 | $2,277 - $4,255 | $1,318 - $2,654 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,303 - $12,036 | $2,962 - $5,899 | $1,581 - $3,149 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Tennessee
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Tennessee will cost between $1,394 and $5,649. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to TN will range from $3,441 to $7,941, and a large move from California to Tennessee will cost from $6,303 to $12,036.
Cost of moving containers from California to Tennessee
Moving from California to Tennessee? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,290 and $2,941. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,277 to $4,255. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,962 up to $5,899. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,147 and $2,208. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,318 and $2,654. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,581 up to $3,149 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Memphis
What to know before moving from San Diego to Memphis
For many households, Memphis means lower monthly costs than San Diego — roughly 45% for singles and 43% for families.
That’s about $1,842 per month for singles and $4,402 for families in Memphis, compared with $3,346 and $7,719 in San Diego.
See the side-by-side details below:
- Rent prices in Memphis are 55% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Memphis are 85.7% lower than in San Diego. - Income in Memphis is 34.1% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Memphis — including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Memphis. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 44.9% lower than in San Diego.
- A move to Memphis can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 43.0% less than what it costs in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 21.21% higher than in San Diego.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Memphis, since its sales taxes are 25.81% higher than what you are paying in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Memphis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Diego.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Diego and Memphis:
San Diego | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $277.55 | $213.78 |
Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $58.88 |
Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.12 |
Loaf of bread | $4.5 | $2.83 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21 | $19.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100 | $75 |
Gym membership | $65.68 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Memphis.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Memphis.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Memphis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Memphis.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Memphis
Memphis | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 1,386,932 |
Transportation Score | 4 | 6 |
Walkability score | 35 | 53 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 43 |
Crime Index | 77.49 | 39.83 |
Safety Index | 22.51 | 60.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Memphis might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 54% less than San Diego.
- Getting around Memphis without a car might be more difficult than in San Diego. Memphis has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas San Diego is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Memphis neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Diego. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Memphis isn't as walkable as San Diego, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Memphis and San Diego are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 41 and 43 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Memphis is higher than in San Diego, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 77.49 in Memphis, it is 39.83 in San Diego. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Memphis. With a crime index of 22.51, Memphis ranks lower in overall safety than San Diego, whose index is 60.17. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Memphis has better air quality than in San Diego. Memphis has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Diego. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Memphis move
- Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Memphis without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Memphis
With your sights set on Bluff City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
Once you're settled into your new home in Tennessee, it's time to get out and discover what Memphis has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Memphis, such as the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Memphis?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Memphis. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Memphis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego to Memphis moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Diego to Memphis take?
Covering 1,778 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN typically takes five to 16 days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Memphis can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Diego offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in San Diego offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Diego?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 21 movers in San Diego provide piano moving services. 16 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 288 piano movers and 222 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2175 and 1400.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.