Moving from San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN averages from $1,286 to $7,489 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Nashville, TN. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Nashville to San Diego guide.

• Best San Diego to Nashville movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Nashville.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego to Nashville car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 1,987 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Nashville?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,987 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Diego to Nashville will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Diego to Nashville Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Nashville?

To ship furniture from San Diego to Nashville with a mover will cost between $1,297 to $4,996. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,437 to $7,489, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Nashville will cost from $6,424 to $11,142.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Nashville?

Moving containers from San Diego to Nashville will cost you $1,194 to $2,955 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,127 to $4,373. A larger home will cost $2,913 to $5,898.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Nashville?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,188 to $2,292. A larger move will cost $1,286 to $2,727, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Nashville costs from $1,623 to $3,340.

How to ship a car from San Diego to Nashville?

If you're moving from San Diego to Nashville and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Diego to Nashville car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Nashville

• Rent Prices in Nashville, TN are 28% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Home Prices in Nashville, TN are 55.5% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Income in Nashville, TN is 4.9% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Nashville, TN is 1.8% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family is the same in Nashville, TN and San Diego, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Nashville, TN is 42.86% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Nashville, TN are 19.35% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Nashville, TN are 100.00% lower than in San Diego, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,944.6 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN?

• Nashville’s population is about 48% less than San Diego.
• Nashville’s public transportation is better than San Diego with a score of 4 vs 6.
• Nashville is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 96 vs 53.
• Nashville is more bike-friendly than San Diego with a score of 72 vs 43.
• Nashville's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 51.91 compared to 21.98.
• Nashville is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 53.16 vs 62.95.
• Air Quality in Nashville is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Nashville, TN

• Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Nashville. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Diego Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Nashville, TN

Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Athens of the South", these are the best neighborhoods in Nashville to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

• Downtown
• Germantown
• The Gulch
• Midtown
• Music Row

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Belmont-Hillsboro
• Buena Vista
• Green Hills
• Lockeland Springs
• Oak Hill

What to do in Nashville

Moving to The “The Athens of the South”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Tennessee home.

• Grand Ole Opry
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
• Broadway Nashville
• Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• The Parthenon
• Ryman Auditorium
• Tennessee State Museum
• Adventure Science Center
• Frist Art Museum
• Cumberland Park
• Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
• Nashville Farmers' Market
• Etch Restaurant
• The Johnny Cash Museum
• Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
• National Museum of African American Music
• Radnor Lake State Park
• RCA Studio B

Get your sports on!

• Tennessee Titans (NFL)
• Nashville Predators (NHL)
• Nashville SC (MLS)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• New York City to Nashville
• Chicago to Nashville
• Houston to Nashville
• Phoenix to Nashville
• Philadelphia to Nashville
• San Antonio to Nashville
• Dallas to Nashville
• Austin to Nashville
• Jacksonville to Nashville
• Fort Worth to Nashville

Learn more about Nashville

• What Is The Cost To Move In Nashville?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Tennessee ?
• Tips On Moving to Nashville, TN: Relocation Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Nashville, TN
• Best Moving Companies in Tennessee