Moving from Memphis to Nashville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Nashville costs $278–$6,333, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 212-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 Memphis to Nashville?
Moving from Memphis 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 212-mile move:
Moving from Memphis to Nashville costs between $278 and $6,333, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,688–$5,117 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,285–$2,198 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $307–$601 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $125/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 Memphis to Nashville?
Moving from Memphis to Nashville costs between $278 and $6,333, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 212-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,070–$6,333
- Moving containers: $969–$2,897
- Rental trucks: $278–$716
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 212 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,070–$4,366 | $969–$1,739 | $278–$492 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,688–$5,117 | $1,285–$2,198 | $307–$601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,387–$6,333 | $1,621–$2,897 | $369–$716 |
*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 Memphis to Nashville move?
The most common extra fees on a Memphis to Nashville move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 | $125/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 Memphis to Nashville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Memphis to Nashville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 212 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 Memphis 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 212 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 Memphis guide.
How does Nashville compare to Memphis?
Cost of living: Memphis vs. Nashville
Cost-of-living differences between Memphis and Nashville extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Nashville compares to Memphis.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Memphis | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,971 |
| Average home cost | $154,209 | $382,847 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,211 | $75,197 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.5% |
| Average sales tax | 9.75% | 9.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Memphis 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 52% higher than in Memphis. The gap is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or housing tradeoffs.
- Home prices in Nashville are 148% higher than Memphis. Plan for a larger down payment, higher monthly carry, and a longer path to comparable home equity.
- Average income in Nashville is 47% higher than Memphis. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Living expenses for one person in Nashville are 69% higher than Memphis. The premium is most visible in housing and dining out.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Nashville runs 92% higher than Memphis. A household on a single income may need a corresponding raise to maintain the same lifestyle.
- Unemployment in Nashville runs 44% lower than Memphis. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes match in Nashville and Memphis. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Memphis, you'd need roughly $5,070 to maintain the same lifestyle in Nashville.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Nashville
Life in Nashville compared to Memphis differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Memphis | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 689,447 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 54" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 4" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 49.1 |
- Nashville is 9% larger in size than Memphis. 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, Nashville leaned Republican, while Memphis leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Nashville (89°F) match Memphis (91°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Memphis (30°F) and Nashville (27°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Memphis (54 inches) and Nashville (49 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall is similar in Memphis (3 inches) and Nashville (4 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
- Crime index in Nashville (49.1) is lower than Memphis (77.49). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Nashville
Nashville offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
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 Memphis to Nashville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Memphis 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 $278–$6,333 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 Memphis to Nashville
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Memphis to Nashville?
A full-service move from Memphis to Nashville costs $988–$3,393 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,688 to $5,117, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Memphis to Nashville costs from $2,387 to $6,333.
How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Nashville?
Moving containers from Memphis to Nashville cost $679–$1,612 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,285 and $2,198. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,621–$2,897.
How much is a moving truck from Memphis to Nashville?
A rental moving truck from Memphis to Nashville costs $281–$503 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $307–$601. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $369–$716.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Memphis-to-Nashville movers?
Book your movers for a Memphis to Nashville move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
The cheapest moving deals to Nashville fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
