($1,131+) Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chula Vista, CA, runs anywhere from $1,120 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,787 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,815 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,393, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,787 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,660 - $5,510, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,120 - $3,045.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Chula Vista, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,652 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
Moving options from Memphis to Chula Vista fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,652 - $7,839 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,815 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,815-mile route from Memphis to Chula Vista, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,393 - $5,909 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,660 - $3,107), rental truck ($1,120 - $2,219), or freight trailer ($1,395 - $2,662). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,652 - $7,839 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,787.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,815-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chula Vista, California, with prices running from $2,393 - $11,787. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $341 - $2,272 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Memphis and Chula Vista are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Memphis movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Chula Vista:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,393 - $5,909
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,652 - $7,839
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,324 - $11,787
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 Memphis to Chula Vista.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chula Vista, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $568 - $5,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $227 - $1,363/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,726 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,136 - $3,408 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,840 - $11,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $851 - $1,617 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,136 - $2,840 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $909 - $3,976 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $341 - $1,704 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $738 - $2,272 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,976+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Chula Vista?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chula Vista, California, cost between $1,660 and $5,510. 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 Memphis runs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Chula Vista:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,660 - $3,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,961 - $4,183
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,736 - $5,510
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Memphis, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $795, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $85 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $170 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Memphis, TN, and Chula Vista, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to California 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 $1,660. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,961 - $4,183, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Chula Vista?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,815 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chula Vista, California, running $1,120 - $3,045. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $656 - $750
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Memphis to Chula Vista based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,120 - $2,219
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,247 - $2,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,588 - $3,045
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,120 - $3,045 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Chula Vista. Fuel alone runs ($656 - $750) , and overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $85 and $398.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $170.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $656 and $750 for the 1,815-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $795 for 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Chula Vista?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Memphis, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chula Vista, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,634 and $3,481.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Chula Vista:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,395 - $2,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,634 - $3,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,212 - $4,318
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $85 and $170.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $795.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Chula Vista?
- 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.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Chula Vista, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chula Vista, side by side with Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Chula Vista, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $3,100/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $695,636 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $105,173/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 43.7/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chula Vista, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 70 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,815-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,815-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Chula Vista, CA, run $2,393 - $11,787 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,660 - $5,510, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,120 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,652, 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 Mueller Elementary School and Sweetwater Union High School District.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Chula Vista, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,247 - $2,539. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Chula Vista, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,393 to $11,787, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,393 and $11,787, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chula Vista run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
