Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Chattanooga to Irvine ranges from $1,619 to $9,878 and the journey will take approximately six to 17 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,126-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Irvine to Chattanooga guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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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 Chattanooga to Irvine
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Chattanooga to Irvine isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to CA move
Local moving companies in Chattanooga
- Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery : 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Page Relocation, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All Out Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3610638
Alternate Names: Flex Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 1906318
Alternate Names: Good Guys of Chattanooga, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8980
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3429630
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3241000
Alternate Names: All Out Moving & Storage - Chattanooga Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Irvine?
Chattanooga movers charge $99 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 | $1,662 - $6,554 | $1,411 - $3,497 | $1,480 - $2,943 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,197 - $9,878 | $2,775 - $5,671 | $1,619 - $3,538 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,040 - $13,705 | $3,697 - $7,298 | $2,165 - $4,038 |
Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to California
Planning a move from Tennessee to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,662 and $6,554. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,197 and $9,878 for the same journey (TN to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,040 to $13,705.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to California
When you’re heading from Tennessee to California, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,411 and $3,497. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,775 and $5,671. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,697 to $7,298. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Tennessee easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,480 and $2,943. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,619 to $3,538. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,165 and $4,038.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chattanooga to Irvine move
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Irvine
Moving from Chattanooga to Irvine comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Irvine is generally more expensive than Chattanooga, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chattanooga | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,475 | $4,000 |
| Average home value | $302,565 | $1,561,760 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $114,027 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Irvine, since prices are typically 171% higher than in Chattanooga.
- The home prices in Irvine are 416.2% higher than in Chattanooga, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Irvine, where incomes are, on average, 89.5% higher than in Chattanooga. Major employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 177.8% higher than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 313.8% higher than in Chattanooga.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 3.57% lower than in Chattanooga.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the city's sales taxes in Irvine are 16.22% lower than in Chattanooga.
- State income taxes in Irvine are 13.30% higher than in Chattanooga.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,333.64 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Irvine
| Irvine | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 181,099 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 31.01 | 53.89 |
| Safety Index | 68.99 | 46.11 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine's population is about 70% greater than Chattanooga.
- Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's lower score of 3.
- Irvine is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Irvine is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Irvine's crime rate is lower than Chattanooga with a score of 31.01 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Irvine is considered to be safer than Chattanooga with a safety index of 68.99 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
- Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga vs. Irvine move
- Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 Irvine 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Irvine
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Irvine to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Irvine is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Irvine include museums and art centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — 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 UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo), Adult Basketball Leagues, Adult Soccer Leagues, or Adult Softball Leagues game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Irvine?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chattanooga to Irvine. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Irvine?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga to Irvine moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chattanooga to Irvine take?
Covering 2,126 miles, the move from Chattanooga, TN to Irvine, CA typically takes six to 17 days. Some Chattanooga movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Irvine can help bridge the gap.
