($1,217+) San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,275 to $10,848, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,217 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,090 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 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 Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving options from San Francisco to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,275 - $10,848 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 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,090 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,090-mile route from San Francisco to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,275 - $5,132 | $1,576 - $2,968 | $1,134 - $2,369 | $1,432 - $2,781 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,399 - $7,267 | $2,143 - $4,332 | $1,214 - $2,765 | $1,715 - $3,397 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,182 - $10,848 | $2,767 - $5,678 | $1,613 - $3,387 | $2,328 - $4,543 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
Hiring full-service movers from San Francisco, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,275 and $10,848. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,090-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $544 - $3,628, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Francisco and Memphis. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Francisco tend to start around $284 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $5,132
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,399 - $7,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,182 - $10,848
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 Francisco to Memphis.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $907 - $9,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $363 - $2,177/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $544 - $4,354 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,814 - $5,442 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,535 - $18,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,359 - $2,581 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,814 - $4,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,451 - $6,349 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $544 - $2,721 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,179 - $3,628 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $544 - $27,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $544 - $6,349+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in San Francisco, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,576 and $5,678. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in San Francisco typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,576 - $2,968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,143 - $4,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,767 - $5,678
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,270 in San Francisco, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $136 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $272 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Memphis, TN, destination before booking.
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 $1,576. 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 $2,143 - $4,332.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
A rental truck for this 2,090-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,134 and $3,387. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,206 - $1,379
- Daily insurance: $54/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,134 - $2,369
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,214 - $2,765
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,387
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,134 - $3,387 does not include fuel ($1,206 - $1,379), lodging ($272/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco to Memphis typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $272 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,270 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,090-mile drive falls between $1,206 and $1,379, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $91 and $544 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Francisco, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,715 and $3,397.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,432 - $2,781
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,715 - $3,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,328 - $4,543
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $136 - $272 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Francisco, California, typically costs $1,270.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Francisco to Memphis. 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: San Francisco, 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 Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 86 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 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 Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,090-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to Memphis, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,275 - $10,848 on the 2,090-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,576 - $5,678 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,134 - $3,387 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,399 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Memphis, TN
What is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, 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.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,206 - $1,379), daily insurance ($54/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $36) on top. Overnight stops can add another $272/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, 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 $1,214 - $2,765. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,217 to $10,848, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,275 and $10,848, 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.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.