Washington DC, MD to Nashville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Nashville typically costs $2,500–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 665 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Nashville
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Nashville, TN typically costs $2,500–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 665-mile move from Washington DC to Nashville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $1,562 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,932 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,856 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 16, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Washington DC to Nashville
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Washington DC to Nashville may only cost $1,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Washington DC.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Nashville, TN to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Nashville movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Nashville
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Washington DC to Nashville. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MD→TN movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 51 Maryland moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Nashville
Many movers find Nashville easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 22% less for singles and 24% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,108 for one person in Nashville versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $8,447 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,887 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $4,044 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $428,678 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $79,020 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 18% less expensive in Nashville than in Washington DC, 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 28% cheaper in Nashville than in Washington DC.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 22% less in Nashville than in Washington DC.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Nashville. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of Washington DC.
- A move to Nashville 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 24% lower compared to Washington DC.
- Nashville has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 36%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Nashville surpass those in Washington DC by 63%. 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 Washington DC versus Nashville:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $202.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $70.35 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.08 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $40.82 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Nashville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Washington DC than in Nashville.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Nashville.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Nashville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Nashville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Nashville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Nashville.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Nashville
| Washington DC | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 689,447 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 96 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 72 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 49.1 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 50.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Nashville's population is within about 5% of Washington DC, so they’re very similar in size.
- Nashville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Nashville is more walkable than Washington DC with a score of 96 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Both Nashville and Washington DC have similar bike-friendliness scores (70 vs 72), meaning Nashville is about as safe for cyclists as Washington DC. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Nashville's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 49.1 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Nashville is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 50.9 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Nashville is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Nashville move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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 Nashville. 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 Nashville
With your sights set on Athens of the South, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Nashville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Nashville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — 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 Tennessee Titans (NFL)Nashville Predators (NHL)Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Nashville?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Washington DC to Nashville. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Nashville?
Want to save on your move from Washington DC to Nashville? 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 Washington DC to Nashville take?
The 665-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Nashville, TN, takes one to six days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Nashville.
What kinds of discounts do Washington DC movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 14 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Washington DC?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 59 movers in Washington DC provide piano moving services. 44 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
