Quick answer: Expect to pay $578–$6,615 for a move from Washington DC to Chattanooga, with most moves taking one to six days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 597 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chattanooga to Washington DC guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Washington DC to Chattanooga
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Washington DC to Chattanooga can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to TN move
The top local movers servicing Washington DC to Chattanooga moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Washington DC that also handles long-distance moves to Chattanooga. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Washington DC who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Washington DC to Chattanooga.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- My Pro Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle 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 #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3116640
Alternate Names: MyProMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga?
Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,350 - $4,180 | $880 - $2,122 | $558 - $1,062 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,545 - $6,615 | $1,619 - $3,174 | $578 - $1,236 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,732 - $9,573 | $2,118 - $3,863 | $782 - $1,537 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to Tennessee
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maryland to Tennessee will cost between $1,350 and $4,180. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MD to TN will range from $2,545 to $6,615, and a large move from Maryland to Tennessee will cost from $4,732 to $9,573.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Tennessee
Moving containers from Maryland to Tennessee will cost you $880 to $2,122 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,619 to $3,174. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,118 to $3,863. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $558 and $1,062 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $578 to $1,236. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $782 to $1,537.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga
Moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Chattanooga, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Chattanooga so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Washington DC | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 39% lower than in Washington DC, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chattanooga.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 49.1% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Chattanooga is 40.9% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chattanooga — including Hamilton County, Schools Erlanger, and Health System — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chattanooga. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 16.7% lower than in Washington DC.
- A move to Chattanooga can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 60.8% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chattanooga, since its sales taxes are 54.17% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,498.11 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 9 |
Walkability score | 29 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 70 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga's population is about 74% less than Washington DC.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 53.89 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 46.11 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Chattanooga move
- Weather: May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in Tennessee, it's time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, Hunter Museum of American Art, and International Towing and Recovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League) and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Washington DC. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Chattanooga take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Chattanooga, TN covers 597 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chattanooga.