Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville costs between $174 to $5,154 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 134-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chattanooga to Nashville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chattanooga to Nashville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chattanooga to driving and unloading in Nashville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 134 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,410 - $4,155 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,130 - $1,887 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $186 - $317 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $99/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Nashville?
It costs between $174 to $5,154 to move from Chattanooga to Nashville. The prices below break down your 134-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $823 - $5,154
- Moving containers: $854 - $2,530
- Rental trucks: $174 - $378
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $823 - $3,526 | $854 - $1,488 | $174 - $267 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,410 - $4,155 | $1,130 - $1,887 | $186 - $317 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,963 - $5,154 | $1,439 - $2,530 | $213 - $378 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chattanooga to Nashville
At 134 miles, your Chattanooga to Nashville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chattanooga to Nashville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 134 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Good Guys Moving & Delivery is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chattanooga to Nashville. They've been in business since 2014 (12 years of experience) and 93.9% of their 245 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville to Chattanooga guide.
Considerations when moving from Chattanooga to Nashville
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Nashville
The cost of living in Chattanooga vs. Nashville goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Nashville stacks up against Chattanooga.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 34% higher than in Chattanooga. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Nashville are 48% higher than in Chattanooga. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Nashville, where the average salary is 23% higher than in Chattanooga, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- Cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 6% lower than in Chattanooga. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- Moving your family to Nashville? Get ready for living expenses to be about 94% higher than in Chattanooga. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Nashville is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is 20% lower than in Chattanooga, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Nashville and Chattanooga, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Chattanooga, expect to budget around $2,820 to maintain the same lifestyle in Nashville.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Nashville
As you plan your move, comparing life in Chattanooga vs. Nashville is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Chattanooga and Nashville to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Chattanooga | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 689,447 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 4" |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 49.1 |
Nashville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Nashville is about 281% larger than Chattanooga. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Chattanooga and Nashville siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Nashville and Chattanooga are nearly identical, with averages around 89°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Chattanooga and Nashville experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 28°F and 27°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Chattanooga to Nashville. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 51 inches in Chattanooga and 49 inches in Nashville.
- Both Chattanooga and Nashville receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Chattanooga averaging 2 inches and Nashville seeing 4 inches.
- Nashville has a lower crime rate than Chattanooga, with a crime index of 49.1 vs 53.89.
Things to do in Nashville
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Nashville has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Nashville?
Moving your furniture from Chattanooga to Nashville with a professional moving company usually ranges from $763 to $3,074. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,410 and $4,155. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,963 to $5,154 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Nashville?
If you’re moving from Chattanooga to Nashville and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $589 to $1,423. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,130 and $1,887. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,439 to $2,530.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Nashville?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $176 and $267. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $186 to $317. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Chattanooga to Nashville, rental prices generally fall between $213 and $378.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Nashville movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Chattanooga to Nashville at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Chattanooga-to-Nashville movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
If you want to save money on your move to Nashville, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
