Highly rated local moving companies for San Francisco to Chattanooga moves
Organizing a move from San Francisco to Chattanooga can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 91 local movers in San Francisco known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from San Francisco to Chattanooga.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Chattanooga?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,311 – $5,021 | $1,255 – $3,312 | $1,405 – $2,694 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,692 – $7,387 | $2,391 – $4,491 | $1,449 – $3,207 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,601 – $12,128 | $3,038 – $6,740 | $1,756 – $3,894 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Chattanooga
When planning a move to Chattanooga from San Francisco, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,311 and $5,021. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,692 and $7,387 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,601 to $12,128.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Chattanooga
When you’re heading from San Francisco to Chattanooga, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,255 and $3,312. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,391 and $4,491. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,038 to $6,740. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Chattanooga
A moving rental truck from San Francisco to Chattanooga is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,405 to $2,694. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,449 to $3,207, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Chattanooga costs around $1,756 to $3,894.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Francisco to Chattanooga
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Chattanooga may only cost $2,564, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,180.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Francisco.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,405–$3,414), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 13% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 55% less expensive in Chattanooga than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 76% cheaper in Chattanooga than in San Francisco.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 56% less in Chattanooga than in San Francisco.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Chattanooga. The cost of living for a single person there is 13% below that of San Francisco.
- A move to Chattanooga can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower compared to San Francisco.
- Chattanooga and San Francisco have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga surpass those in San Francisco by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Francisco versus Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Chattanooga
| San Francisco | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 35 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 78% less than San Francisco.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 29 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 53.89 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 46.11 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Costs across San Francisco and Chattanooga are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chattanooga. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chattanooga
With your sights set on Scenic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chattanooga. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Chattanooga?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Francisco to Chattanooga. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Chattanooga?
Want to save on your move from San Francisco to Chattanooga? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Chattanooga take?
The 2,426-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Chattanooga, , takes seven to 18 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.
What kinds of discounts do San Francisco movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Francisco?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 72 movers in San Francisco provide piano moving services. 64 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
San Francisco moving services
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