($386+) Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Cincinnati, OH, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $386 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,574 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 482 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,172, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,574 or more.
- Moving containers run $963 - $2,937, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $386 - $1,092.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cincinnati, OH, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,948 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Cincinnati to Memphis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,948 - $5,444. Containers cost roughly 36% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 482 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 482-mile route from Cincinnati to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,172 - $3,851 | $963 - $1,725 | $386 - $705 | $792 - $1,492 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,948 - $5,444 | $1,245 - $2,311 | $424 - $863 | $978 - $1,794 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,438 - $7,574 | $1,515 - $2,937 | $560 - $1,092 | $1,313 - $2,420 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
For the 482-mile move from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Memphis, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,172 and $7,574. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $262 - $1,744 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Cincinnati generally start around $250 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cincinnati to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,172 - $3,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,948 - $5,444
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,438 - $7,574
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 Cincinnati to Memphis.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Cincinnati movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $436 - $4,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $174 - $1,046/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,093 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $872 - $2,616 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,180 - $8,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $653 - $1,241 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $872 - $2,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $698 - $3,052 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $262 - $1,308 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $567 - $1,744 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,052+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cincinnati to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Cincinnati, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Cincinnati to Memphis with a local mover averages $1,890 - $5,281. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Cincinnati, OH often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Cincinnati, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,018 customers, 92.9% of which is positive.
Address: 10836 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 | Founded: 1994
Moving container costs from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $963 and $2,937. 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. If you need extra time, storage in Cincinnati runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cincinnati to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,245 - $2,311
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,515 - $2,937
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $610 in Cincinnati, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $65 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $131 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Memphis, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $963. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,245 - $2,311.
What are the best moving containers Cincinnati to Memphis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati:
- Smooth Move Relocation Services (4.9/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
Plan on $386 - $1,092 for a rental moving truck on the 482-mile route from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Memphis, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $134 - $153
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Cincinnati daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Cincinnati to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $386 - $705
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $424 - $863
- 4+ bedrooms: $560 - $1,092
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $386 - $1,092 does not include fuel ($134 - $153), lodging ($131/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Cincinnati to Memphis typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $131 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Cincinnati, Ohio, usually costs about $610 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 482-mile drive falls between $134 and $153, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $44 and $262 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Memphis, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $785 and $1,794.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cincinnati to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $792 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $978 - $1,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,420
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $65 - $131 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Cincinnati, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $610.
What are the best freight companies from Cincinnati to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Cincinnati 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: Cincinnati, OH vs Memphis, TN
Good news for your budget: Memphis isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Cincinnati. Cost of living index runs 86 there against 88 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 49/100 and 49.53/100 here versus 35/100 and 22.51/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 282 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 482-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 482-mile route from Cincinnati, OH, to Memphis, TN, run $1,172 - $7,574 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $963 - $2,937, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $386 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,948, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Cincinnati, OH, to Memphis, TN
What are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?
For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 49 and 36 in Cincinnati. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Memphis a safe place to live?
Memphis has a safety index of 22.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 77.49, compared to 49.53 and 48.47 in Cincinnati. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Cincinnati movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Cincinnati handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.