($417+) Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Cincinnati, OH, runs anywhere from $417 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,574 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 481 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,184, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,574 or more.
- Moving containers run $880 - $3,055, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $417 - $1,081.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Cincinnati, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,069 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Cincinnati: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,069 - $5,233. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 481 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 481-mile route from Memphis to Cincinnati, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,184 for a studio up to $7,574 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $880 - $3,055 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $417 - $1,081, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $842 - $2,303, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
For the 481-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Cincinnati, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,184 and $7,574. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $260 - $1,736 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Memphis generally start around $334 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $3,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $5,233
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,691 - $7,574
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Memphis to Cincinnati.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Cincinnati, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $434 - $4,340 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $174 - $1,042/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,083 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $868 - $2,604 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,170 - $8,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $650 - $1,235 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $868 - $2,170 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $694 - $3,038 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $260 - $1,302 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $564 - $1,736 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $13,020+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,038+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Cincinnati?
All three below meet the standards set by the Ohio Association of Movers, the group most Ohio movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Memphis, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Memphis to Cincinnati with a local mover averages $2,110 - $5,337. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Memphis, TN can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Guardian Moving Systems (4.52/5 stars) is a local mover in Memphis, based on our analysis of feedback from 217 customers, 88.9% of which is positive.
Address: 4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN, 38141 | Founded: 1985
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Cincinnati, Ohio, cost between $880 and $3,055. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Memphis typically costs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $880 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,210 - $2,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,055
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $65 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $130 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $608 in Memphis, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Cincinnati, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $880. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,210 - $2,174.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Cincinnati?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Memphis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 481 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Cincinnati, Ohio, running $417 - $1,081. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $133 - $152
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Memphis to Cincinnati based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $417 - $735
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $441 - $828
- 4+ bedrooms: $549 - $1,081
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Memphis to Cincinnati starts at $417 - $1,081, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($133 - $152), overnight lodging ($130/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $608.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $133 - $152 for the 481-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $52 and $282, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $130 per night for hotel stops on the 481-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $260 - $391.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Cincinnati?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Memphis, TN to Cincinnati, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Memphis, Tennessee, to Cincinnati, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $781 and $1,794.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $842 - $1,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $950 - $1,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,326 - $2,303
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Memphis, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $608.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $65 - $130 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Cincinnati?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Memphis to Cincinnati, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Cincinnati, OH
Memphis and Cincinnati land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 86 in Memphis and 88 in Cincinnati, and average rent is $1,299/mo vs. $1,450/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 35 vs 49 and safety scores are 22.51 vs 49.53.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 213 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 481-mile move.
Our take
A move from Memphis, TN, to Cincinnati, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,184 - $7,574 on the 481-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $880 - $3,055, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $417 - $1,081. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,069 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cincinnati tend to point to ample economic opportunity and low cost of living, though unpredictable weather and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Kroger and First Student.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Cincinnati, OH
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Cincinnati run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What are the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati?
For families, Hyde Park, Mount Adams, and Mount Lookout are worth a look in Cincinnati. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Clifton, and Columbia-Tusculum tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Cincinnati?
Cincinnati has a walkability score of 49 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 36, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.