Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Cincinnati to Memphis typically costs $2,300–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 482 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Cincinnati to Memphis
Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,300–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 482-mile move from Cincinnati to Memphis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,472 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,761 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,786 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Cincinnati to Memphis move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Cincinnati.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $500 to $1,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH guide.
Best Cincinnati to Memphis movers by type
|
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Cincinnati to Memphis
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Cincinnati to Memphis much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
How we chose the best OH→TN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 100 Ohio movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Cincinnati - roughly 25% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $2,467 in Cincinnati. For a family of four, it's $4,402 compared with $6,418.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cincinnati | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Cincinnati to Memphis, expect to find rent about 10% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 38% more affordable in Memphis compared to Cincinnati.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 27% lower in Memphis compared to Cincinnati.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Memphis, as the cost of living for a single person is 25% lower compared to Cincinnati.
- A move to Memphis 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 31% less than what it costs in Cincinnati.
- Memphis shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Cincinnati by around 63%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Memphis are 50% more than in Cincinnati, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Cincinnati and Memphis:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Memphis.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Memphis
| Cincinnati | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 41 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 105% greater than Cincinnati.
- Memphis's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati's score of 6.
- Memphis is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Cincinnati's 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Memphis is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Cincinnati with a score of 77.49 compared to Cincinnati's 48.47. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 22.51 vs Cincinnati's 49.53.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Cincinnati it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Memphis move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Memphis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 Memphis
Planning your move to Bluff City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Memphis has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Memphis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Memphis?
Planning your move from Cincinnati to Memphis? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Memphis?
Because most people are moving from Cincinnati to Memphis 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 Cincinnati to Memphis take?
The 482-mile journey from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Cincinnati offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Memphis.
Are there special savings available from movers in Cincinnati?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Cincinnati?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Cincinnati, 3 movers can manage piano relocations. By comparison, Ohio has 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.