($1,052+) San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,305 to $10,391, with an average cost of $3,900. Moves can be as low as $1,052 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,775 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.
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Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving options from San Diego to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,305 - $10,391 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,900, 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 1,775 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 1,775-mile route from San Diego to Memphis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,305 for a studio up to $10,391 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,522 - $5,743 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,085 - $3,193, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,370 - $4,281, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,775-mile move from San Diego, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, with prices running from $1,305 - $10,391. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $382 - $2,548 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Diego and Memphis are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Diego movers tend to run around $226 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,305 - $5,181
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,255 - $7,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,961 - $10,391
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 San Diego 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: 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 San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego 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 packing100% of local movers | $637 - $6,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $255 - $1,529/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,058 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,274 - $3,822 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,185 - $12,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $954 - $1,813 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,274 - $3,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,019 - $4,459 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $382 - $1,911 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp | $828 - $2,548 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,459+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,522 and $5,743. 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 San Diego runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,522 - $2,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,274
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,660 - $5,743
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 San Diego, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $892, 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 $96 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $191 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Diego, CA, and Memphis, 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 $1,522. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,069 - $4,274, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego:
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
- Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 1,775-mile move from San Diego, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,085 and $3,193, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $720 - $822
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- San Diego 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 San Diego to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,085 - $2,151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,185 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,464 - $3,193
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,085 - $3,193 does not include fuel ($720 - $822) , lodging ($191/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Diego to Memphis 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 San Diego, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $892.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $720 - $822 for the 1,775-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 $76 and $414, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $191 per night for hotel stops on the 1,775-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $382 - $573.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego 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 San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Diego, 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 $1,590 and $3,253.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,370 - $2,722
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,328 - $4,281
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Diego, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $892.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $96 - $191 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Diego, 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 San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 22.51/100 |
| 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 Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,775-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,775-mile route from San Diego, CA, to Memphis, TN, run $1,305 - $10,391 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,522 - $5,743, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,085 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,255, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Memphis, TN
What do local movers charge in San Diego?
Local movers based in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate, plus $200/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 Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?
For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA to Memphis, 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 $1,185 - $2,434. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Memphis a safe place to live?
Memphis has a safety index of 22.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 77.49, compared to 60.17 and 39.83 in San Diego. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
