$1,546 Movers From Memphis, TN to California

Quick answer: The cost to move from Memphis, TN to California averages from $1,460 to $8,755 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Memphis moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Memphis, TN guide.

Moving from Memphis, TN to California resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to California. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 1,916 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Memphis to California moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Memphis to California is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Memphis to California.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to California?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Memphis to California:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,546 - $5,974 $1,320 - $3,263 $1,298 - $2,599
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,757 - $8,755 $2,211 - $4,587 $1,460 - $2,916
4+ bedrooms $7,486 - $12,286 $3,217 - $6,627 $1,842 - $3,571
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,916 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Memphis, TN to California will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Memphis, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Memphis, TN to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Memphis to California will cost between $1,546 to $5,974. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Memphis to CA will range from $3,757 to $8,755, and a large move from Memphis to California will cost from $7,486 to $12,286.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Memphis, TN to California?

Moving pods from Memphis to California will cost you $1,320 to $3,263. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,211 to $4,587. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,217 to $6,627. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Memphis to California.

How much is a moving truck from Memphis, TN to California?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,298 to $2,599. A larger move will cost $1,460 to $2,916, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Memphis to California costs from $1,842 to $3,571.

Is moving from Memphis, TN to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Memphis, TN, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs California

Memphis, TN California
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,586
Average home cost $144,552 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $43,981 $91,905
Unemployment rate 8.0% 4.8%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 38% more expensive in California than in Memphis.
  • Home prices are about 194.1% higher in California than in Memphis.
  • The average income is about 74.8% higher in California than in Memphis.
  • California has a lower unemployment rate than Memphis by about 91.4%.
  • Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Memphis.

How is life different in Memphis, TN from California?

Memphis, TN California
Population 633,104 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 64-37 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 91ºF 87ºF
Winter low 30ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 54" 22"
Annual snow 3" 7"
Crime index 76.27 27.88
  • The population of California is approximately 6,065% greater than the population of Memphis.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Memphis voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Memphis, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Memphis gets down to 30ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 54 inches of rainfall in Memphis.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 3 inches of snow in Memphis.
  • California has a lower crime rate than Memphis with a crime index of 76.27 vs 27.88.

Considerations for moving to California

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
  • 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Memphis movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN, 38118
(901) 231-1149
Coleman Worldwide Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
114 W Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN, 37207
(877) 693-7060

Visit our best movers in Memphis page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in California?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in California

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in California

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in California

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

Moving from Memphis to California FAQs

Why are people moving from Memphis to California?

Many people are moving to California because of ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Memphis?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Memphis.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California