Quick answer: For a 2,049-mile move from Memphis to San Jose, expect to spend around $1,503–$8,620 and six to 17 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Memphis guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Memphis, TN, to San Jose, CA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Memphis, there are 7 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Memphis, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Memphis you can trust with your Memphis to San Jose relocation.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from Memphis to San Jose
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Memphis to San Jose, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Memphis to San Jose with less stress and more peace of mind.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in Memphis?
How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to CA move
Find trusted moving companies for your Memphis to San Jose journey
Organizing a move from Memphis to San Jose can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Memphis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Memphis to San Jose.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Guardian Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Memphis, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: BSTB Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
Alternate Names: Alexander Mayflower, Alexander Moving Express, Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Company, Inc., United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 181102
Alternate Names: Cord Moving - Memphis, North American Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to San Jose?
Memphis movers charge $125 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 | $1,562 - $5,749 | $1,306 - $3,399 | $1,322 - $2,450 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,775 - $8,620 | $2,350 - $4,692 | $1,503 - $2,976 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,298 - $12,389 | $3,123 - $6,856 | $1,807 - $3,795 |
Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to California
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Tennessee to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,562 and $5,749. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,775 to $8,620 for the trip from TN to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $7,298 and $12,389.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to California
Moving containers from Tennessee to California will cost you $1,306 to $3,399 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,350 to $4,692. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,123 to $6,856. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,322 and $2,450 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,503 to $2,976. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,807 to $3,795.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Memphis to San Jose
What to know before moving from Memphis to San Jose
Monthly costs run higher in San Jose than in Memphis — roughly 99% more for singles and 90% more for families.
Singles spend $3,674 vs. $1,842, and families $8,354 vs. $4,402.
Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 138% higher than in Memphis.
- The home prices in San Jose are 911.5% higher than in Memphis, 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 San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 73.5% higher than in Memphis. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 99.5% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 89.8% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 17.50% lower than in Memphis.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city's sales taxes in San Jose are 3.79% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 13.30% higher than in Memphis.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Memphis and San Jose, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Memphis | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $213.78 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.8 |
Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.5 | $20.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75 | $100 |
Gym membership | $37.67 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Memphis than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Memphis than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Memphis than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Memphis than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in San Jose.
How life is different in Memphis vs. San Jose
San Jose | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 633,104 |
Transportation Score | 7 | 4 |
Walkability score | 51 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 41 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 77.49 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 22.51 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 53% greater than Memphis, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Memphis, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 4 in Memphis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Jose means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Memphis. San Jose is considered more walkable than Memphis, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Memphis. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Memphis in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Memphis is rated as 41 out of 100.
- San Jose has a lower crime rate than Memphis based on scores of 47.73 and Memphis's 77.49, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Memphis, based on San Jose's safety index of 52.27 versus 22.51 for Memphis. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Memphis, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Memphis is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Memphis vs. San Jose move
- Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 San Jose. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that you've decided to make the move to Man Jose, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to San Jose?
Because most people are moving from Memphis to San Jose 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 Memphis to San Jose take?
Moving from Memphis, TN to San Jose, CA covers 2,049 miles and usually takes six to 17 days Need to move faster? Some Memphis movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Memphis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Memphis, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Tennessee has 45 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.