Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville costs $169–$5,205, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 134-mile route within Tennessee take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Chattanooga to Nashville?
Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 134-mile move:
Moving from Chattanooga to Nashville costs between $169 and $5,205, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 134-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,526–$4,282 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,076–$1,966 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $188–$344 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $99/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 71+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Nashville?
Movers typically charge between $169 and $5,205 for a Chattanooga to Nashville move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 134-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $806–$5,205
- Moving containers: $863–$2,383
- Rental trucks: $169–$378
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 leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 134 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $806–$3,668 | $863–$1,458 | $169–$272 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,526–$4,282 | $1,076–$1,966 | $188–$344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,923–$5,205 | $1,439–$2,383 | $224–$378 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 71+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Chattanooga to Nashville move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Chattanooga to Nashville move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Chattanooga to Nashville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 134 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Nashville. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Tennessee, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 134 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville to Chattanooga guide.
How does Nashville compare to Chattanooga?
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Nashville
Cost-of-living factors in Chattanooga vs. Nashville go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Chattanooga and Nashville comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Nashville are 34% higher than in Chattanooga. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Nashville are 48% higher than Chattanooga. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Nashville is 23% higher than Chattanooga. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Living expenses for one person in Nashville are 6% lower than Chattanooga. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Nashville are 94% higher than Chattanooga. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment in Nashville runs 20% lower than Chattanooga. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Nashville and Chattanooga. The move is tax-neutral for retail 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
A side-by-side comparison of life in Chattanooga vs. Nashville helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Chattanooga and Nashville so you can evaluate which city is 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 is 281% larger in size than Chattanooga. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- The last presidential election saw both Chattanooga and Nashville siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Nashville (89°F) and Chattanooga (89°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Chattanooga (28°F) match Nashville (27°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Chattanooga and Nashville is nearly identical, at 51 inches and 49 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- 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: best movers from Chattanooga to Nashville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Nashville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $169–$5,205 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Nashville
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Nashville?
A full-service move from Chattanooga to Nashville ranges from $726 to $3,104 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,526–$4,282. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,923–$5,205 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Nashville?
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Nashville break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $631 to $1,395. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,076 and $1,966. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,439 to $2,383.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Nashville?
A rental moving truck from Chattanooga to Nashville costs $167–$266 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $188–$344, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $224 and $378.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Nashville movers?
Ideally, book your move from Chattanooga to Nashville at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Chattanooga-to-Nashville movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
For the cheapest move to Nashville, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
