The best local movers for San Francisco to Nashville moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in San Francisco that also handles long-distance moves to Nashville. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 91 local movers in San Francisco who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from San Francisco to Nashville.
- 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 Nashville?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,330 – $4,938 | $1,291 – $3,236 | $1,265 – $2,570 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,458 – $7,381 | $2,185 – $4,525 | $1,426 – $2,999 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,893 – $11,181 | $2,911 – $6,072 | $1,729 – $3,459 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Nashville
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Nashville will cost between $1,330 and $4,938. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Francisco to San Francisco will range from $3,458 to $7,381, and a large move from San Francisco to Nashville will cost from $6,893 to $11,181.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Nashville
If you’re moving from San Francisco to Nashville, expect to pay between $1,291 and $3,236 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,185 up to $4,525. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,911 and $6,072. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Nashville
Renting a moving truck from San Francisco to Nashville 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 $1,265 and $2,570. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,426 and $2,999. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,729 up to $3,459 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Nashville
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,510, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,295.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,265–$3,158) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Nashville
Many movers find Nashville easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 18% less for singles and 3% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,108 for one person in Nashville versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $8,447 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,887 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $4,044 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $428,678 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $79,020 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Nashville from San Francisco, you’ll find that rent is roughly 39% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 65% less in Nashville than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 42% lower in Nashville compared to San Francisco.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Nashville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 18% lower than in San Francisco.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Nashville and San Francisco, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Nashville enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 17% lower compared to San Francisco, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 13% in Nashville over San Francisco, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and Nashville:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $202.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $70.35 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.08 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $40.82 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Nashville.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Nashville.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Nashville
| San Francisco | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 689,447 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 96 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 72 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 49.1 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 50.9 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Nashville’s population is about 15% less than San Francisco.
- Nashville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Nashville and San Francisco are similarly walkable.
- Nashville has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Nashville’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 49.1 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Nashville is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 50.9 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Nashville is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Nashville move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Nashville. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Nashville
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Athens of the South, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Nashville.
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
Things to do in Nashville
Once you’re settled into your new home in Tennessee, it’s time to get out and discover what Nashville has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Nashville, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, and RCA Studio B.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Tennessee Titans (NFL)Nashville Predators (NHL)Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Nashville?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Nashville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Nashville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Nashville, 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 Francisco to Nashville take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Nashville, covers 2,301 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 72 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 64 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
San Francisco moving services
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