Chattanooga to Nashville Movers & Costs (2026)

Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville, TN (~134 miles) costs between $153 and $4,537, depending on home size and move type.

Local movers such as Good Guys Moving & Delivery, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 245 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $99/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.

Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

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Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.

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What are the best ways to move from Chattanooga to Nashville?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like Chattanooga to Nashville are regulated by Tennessee law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.

This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Tennessee companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.

For full-service moves, we recommend Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service Good Guys Moving & Delivery $1,216 - $3,657 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $900 - $1,818 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $159 - $274 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only Good Guys Moving & Delivery $99/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most Chattanooga to Nashville moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.

Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 70+ Tennessee movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Nashville?

Movers typically charge between $153 and $4,537* for a Chattanooga to Nashville move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.

Here's what each option costs:

  • Full-service movers: $674 - $4,537
  • Moving containers: $782 - $2,014
  • Rental trucks: $153 - $307

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
  • Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
  • moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $674 - $3,042 $782 - $1,245 $153 - $242
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,216 - $3,657 $900 - $1,818 $159 - $274
4+ bedrooms $1,641 - $4,537 $1,217 - $2,014 $180 - $307

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 70+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

Learn more about the cost of Chattanooga, TN movers.

How Chattanooga to Nashville moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $99 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,188.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Professional packing $0.15 - $0.21 per lb.
33% of Chattanooga movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally
Full-service movers
Fuel surcharge $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) Full-service movers
Shuttle service $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) Full-service movers
Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) $75 - $500+ Full-service movers
Storage-in-transit ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) Full-service movers
Bulky-item handling $150 - $400 per item Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50 - $200 Rental trucks
Contents coverage plan 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings All move types

Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.

Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.

Best movers from Chattanooga to Nashville

Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville is a job for local and regional Tennessee movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Good Guys Moving & Delivery leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 245 verified customer reviews.

Best local & regional movers from Chattanooga to Nashville

Local movers operating within Tennessee know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.58 / 5
  • Years in Business: 13
  • 94% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.58 / 5
  • Years in Business: 26
  • 76% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.42 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • 85% positive reviews
  • BBB: F

Our top local picks:

  1. Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5 stars): 93.9% positive customer ratings.
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars): 76.0% positive customer ratings.
  3. All Out Moving & Storage (4.42/5 stars): 84.9% positive customer ratings.
  4. Elizabeth's Moving & Storage (4.38/5 stars): 92.6% positive customer ratings.
  5. Bellhop Moving (4.34/5 stars): 88.9% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 6 movers in Chattanooga, drawing on 1,898 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from Chattanooga to Nashville

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
  5. International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.

More popular routes from Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.

How does Nashville compare to Chattanooga?

Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Nashville

A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.

Chattanooga Nashville
Average rent cost $1,475 $1,971
Average home cost $259,125 $382,847
Average income (per capita) $61,028 $75,197
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $3,108
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $8,447
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.5%
Average sales tax 9.25% 9.75%

Cost-of-living data for Chattanooga and Nashville comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 70+ Tennessee moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.

  • Rent prices in Nashville are 34% higher than in Chattanooga. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 34% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
  • Home prices in Nashville are 48% higher than Chattanooga. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
  • Average income in Nashville is 23% higher than Chattanooga. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
  • Cost of living for one person in Nashville is 6% lower than Chattanooga. The savings typically free up 6% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Nashville is 94% higher than Chattanooga. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
  • Unemployment in Nashville runs 20% lower than Chattanooga. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
  • Sales taxes in Nashville and Chattanooga match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,820 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Nashville

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Nashville might look different from Chattanooga in ways that matter more once you've settled in.

Chattanooga Nashville
Population181,099689,447
Political leaningRepublican 53.8-44.1Republican 49-48
Summer high89ºF89ºF
Winter low28ºF27ºF
Annual rain51"49"
Annual snow2"4"
Crime index53.8949.1

Did you know: Summer moves in Tennessee can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 44% of movers in Tennessee, vs 33% nationally).

  • Nashville is 281% larger in size than Chattanooga. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
  • In the last presidential election, both Chattanooga and Nashville voted Republican.
  • Summer highs in Nashville (89°F) match Chattanooga (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in Chattanooga (28°F) and Nashville (27°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
  • Annual rainfall in Chattanooga (51 inches) and Nashville (49 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in Chattanooga (2 inches) and Nashville (4 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
  • Crime index in Nashville (49.1) is lower than Chattanooga (53.89). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.

Things to do in Nashville

Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Nashville. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.

Museums in Nashville

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
  • The Johnny Cash Museum
  • RCA Studio B
  • Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Parks in Nashville

  • Centennial Park
  • Radnor Lake State Park
  • Edwin and Percy Warner Parks
  • Riverfront Park
  • Shelby Bottoms Greenway

Sports teams in Nashville

  • Tennessee Titans (NFL)
  • Nashville Predators (NHL)
  • Nashville SC (MLS)

Universities in Nashville

  • Tennessee State University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Belmont University
  • Lipscomb University
  • Trevecca Nazarene University

Final verdict: Chattanooga to Nashville movers

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service. For smaller moves, Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5) is the top local choice, with 93.9% positive reviews across 245 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $153 - $4,537, based on our analysis of 70+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Nashville

Is moving from Chattanooga to Nashville considered a long-distance move?

A move from Chattanooga to Nashville is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Tennessee law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.

How long does a move from Chattanooga to Nashville take?

Most moves from Chattanooga to Nashville take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.

What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle piano or antique moves?

About 33% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.

How many movers in Chattanooga offer labor-only help?

67% of movers in Chattanooga offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.

Do movers in Tennessee offer storage?

83% of movers in Tennessee offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.