Local moving companies in Tennessee
When you’re moving from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Volunteer State to the vibrant America’s Finest City.
Out of 61 Tennessee movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to San Diego, CA.
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
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
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving Knoxville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
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: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 11
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,217 – $5,120 | $1,073 – $2,821 | $1,139 – $2,174 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,510 – $7,706 | $1,910 – $4,298 | $1,172 – $2,460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,323 – $10,399 | $2,753 – $5,302 | $1,585 – $3,074 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,019-mile move from Tennessee to San Diego, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, typically costs between $1,217 and $5,120. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,510 and $7,706. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,323 up to $10,399.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
When relocating from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, you’ll typically spend between $1,073 and $2,821 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,910 up to $4,298. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,753 and $5,302. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
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 from Tennessee to San Diego, CA, expect to pay between $1,139 and $2,174. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,172 to $2,460. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,585 and $3,074.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Guys Moving & Delivery | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Bellhop Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Motivated Movers, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how Tennessee movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| Tennessee | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 29% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 7% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 4% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Tennessee to San Diego, CA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in San Diego, CA differs from what you’re used to in Tennessee. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Tennessee vs. San Diego, CA
| Tennessee | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,047 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $319,208 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,035 | $72,963 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 155 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.6% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
San Diego sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in San Diego is approximately 175% higher than in Tennessee. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 214% higher in San Diego than in Tennessee. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in San Diego are usually 14% higher than in Tennessee, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Even though unemployment in San Diego is 100% higher than in Tennessee, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- California has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in San Diego from Tennessee
| San Diego | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 7,126,489 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 53″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 5″ |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 29.24 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, San Diego leaned Democratic, while Tennessee went Republican.
- In summer, highs in San Diego average 79ºF, compared to 88ºF in Tennessee. Making the move to a cooler place lets you beat the heat, save on energy bills, and spend more time outdoors.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in San Diego usually drop to around 46ºF, while in Tennessee, they can fall as low as 27ºF. Moving to San Diego means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- You can expect only about 12 inches of annual rainfall in San Diego vs the 53 inches you’re used to in Tennessee. With less rain each year, you’ll enjoy more sunshine and freedom to get outside without worrying about the weather. This kind of climate can be a real boost for your energy and outlook when you’re moving.
- San Diego doesn’t get snow, while Tennessee sees around 5 inches annually. Relocating to San Diego means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in San Diego are higher than in Tennessee, with a crime index of 39.83 versus 29.24. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in San Diego
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Diego.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
Other considerations when moving to San Diego, CA
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- 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 your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in California, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to California on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Tennessee to San Diego take?
The time it takes to move from Tennessee to San Diego, CA depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Tennessee, the longer the drive time to San Diego will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Tennessee to San Diego can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Tennessee to San Diego?
If you’re planning a 2,019-mile move from Tennessee to San Diego, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego, CA?
Summer temperatures in San Diego can soar to 79°F, while winters can get as chilly as 46°F. That’s why most people making the move from Tennessee to San Diego prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
Helpful moving resources
Tennessee moving services
Popular Tennessee routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!