($1,309+) San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,517 to $12,788, with an average cost of $4,350. Moves can be as low as $1,309 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,047 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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moveBuddha has processed 536 real quotes from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN 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.
Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving options from San Jose to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,517 - $12,788 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,350, 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,047-mile route from San Jose to Memphis, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,517 - $6,346 with full-service movers, $1,744 - $3,416 with a container, $1,309 - $2,628 with a rental truck, or $1,700 - $3,199 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,706 - $8,709 full-service, $2,327 - $4,837 by container, $1,374 - $2,946 by rental truck, or $1,823 - $4,064 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,524 - $12,788 full-service, $3,348 - $6,333 by container, $1,717 - $3,720 by rental truck, or $2,550 - $5,014 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Full-service movers for the 2,047-mile relocation from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,517 and $12,788. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $519 - $3,460, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,517 - $6,346
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,706 - $8,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,524 - $12,788
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 Jose 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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Add-ons and specialty services from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. Here's what each add-on and specialty service typically runs from San Jose to Memphis, with prices localized to San Jose costs.
- Full packing: $865 - $8,650 if you want the crew to box everything.
- Storage in transit: $346 - $2,076/mo if your new place isn't ready on arrival.
- Shuttle fee: $519 - $4,152 when a full-size truck can't reach the door.
- Full-value protection: $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) for coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb.
- Small moves: $1,730 - $5,190 for shipments under about 2,000 lbs.
- Office / commercial: $4,325 - $17,300 for a workplace relocation.
- Car shipping: $1,296 - $2,462 to move a second vehicle.
- Antiques & fine art: $1,730 - $4,325 for climate control and white-glove handling.
- Piano: $1,384 - $6,055 for an upright, baby grand, or grand.
- Pool table: $519 - $2,595 for disassembly and professional re-leveling.
- Hot tub: $1,125 - $3,460 for 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect.
- Wine collection: $519 - $25,950+ for climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport.
- Pet relocation: $519 - $6,055+ for ground, air, or VIP concierge service.
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in San Jose, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,744 and $6,333. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,744 - $3,416
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,327 - $4,837
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,348 - $6,333
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $130 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $260 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Memphis, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,211 in San Jose, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,744. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,327 - $4,837, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to Memphis?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Jose 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 Jose:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 7 years in business
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (4.7/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Using a rental truck to move from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, generally costs between $1,309 and $3,720. Renting a truck is the cheapest option on this route, but it's also the most physically demanding. You handle all the heavy lifting yourself when you load the truck, you drive the full 2,047 miles to Memphis, and you unload everything once you arrive. The base rate doesn't include fuel ($1,127 - $1,288), insurance ($52/day), or equipment rentals ($12 - $35) (these are billed separately).
Rental moving truck sizes generally range from 10 - 26 feet. Most 2-bedroom moves fit comfortably in a 15- to 17-foot truck, which is the most commonly rented size. Studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes can typically get by with a 10- to 12-foot truck. For 3+ bedroom homes, a 20- to 26-foot truck is usually the right call, though trucks at that size typically require diesel fuel, which can greatly increase your total cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Jose to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,374 - $2,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,717 - $3,720
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,309 - $3,720 when pricing out a rental truck from San Jose to Memphis. Fuel alone runs ($1,127 - $1,288) , and overnight lodging ($260/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $130 and $606.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $260.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,127 and $1,288 for the 2,047-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,211 for 2 movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,823 and $4,064.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,700 - $3,199
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,823 - $4,064
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,550 - $5,014
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Jose, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,211.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $130 and $260 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Enterprise Commercial Truck (4.5/5 stars): Enterprise Commercial Truck is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 86 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
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 Jose, CA guide.
Our take
The 2,047-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Memphis, TN, costs between $1,517 and $12,788 with full-service movers, $1,744 - $6,333 with a moving container, and $1,309 - $3,720 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,706 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
How to plan your move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN
- Compare your moving service options: Compare the four service types for the 2,047-mile San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN route using the cost table above: full-service movers ($1,517 - $12,788), moving containers ($1,744 - $6,333), rental trucks ($1,309 - $3,720), and freight trailers.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Enter your home size and moving date into moveBuddha's moving cost calculator to get an instant, personalized estimate for the San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN route.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Review the top-rated movers we recommend for this route, including Safeway Moving (4.9/5), PODS (4.8/5), Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), and MovingYourself, each rated by moveBuddha across pricing, service, and reliability.
- Request free quotes: Request free, no-obligation quotes from the movers you shortlist so you can compare real prices for your San Jose to Memphis move side by side.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Before booking, confirm any interstate mover's USDOT number and license through the FMCSA to make sure they're authorized for your San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN move.
- Book early and time your move: Book early and, if you can, avoid peak season (mid-May through mid-September) to lock in lower rates and better availability on the San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN route.
FAQ
What are some tips for a move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN?
Decluttering one bedroom's worth of items before your move reduces your shipment by around 500 pounds and saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
From there, having a clear plan makes everything easier. Use a moving checklist to stay on top of key tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks as moving day gets closer.
When is the best time of year to move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN?
The fall and winter months, roughly October through March, are generally the most affordable time to move from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee. Demand is lower, movers have more availability, and you'll often find more competitive pricing across all service types.
If you have to move during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), try to book as early as possible and avoid weekends and month-end dates, when demand is highest and prices reflect it.
How long will it take to move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves from San Jose to Memphis in 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers are usually the fastest option (other than driving a rental truck yourself), with deliveries typically in 3 - 5 days. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What does it cost to move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,517 on the low end to $12,788 on the high end. Where you land depends on your home size, the service you choose, and when you move.
Full-service movers typically fall between $1,517 and $12,788, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during off-season months (October - March) can also make a meaningful difference in your final total for a move from San Jose, California, to Memphis, Tennessee.
What is the most affordable way to move from San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN?
A rental truck is typically the cheapest way to move from San Jose to Memphis, since the base rate covers only the vehicle and you handle everything else. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $1,374 - $2,946. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Those extra costs are broken out in the truck rental section above. It's worth totaling them before you book, since a moving container can sometimes land close to the same final price once a truck rental's add-ons are factored in, with less of the loading and driving on you.
