Best California to Tennessee Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Tennessee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,167 mile CA to TN move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 361 California to Tennessee moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Tennessee. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to Tennessee Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Alpha Moving & Storage LLC | 9.40 | 9.29 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Tennessee
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,167 miles from California to Tennessee will cost on average $3,624 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to TN move is roughly $8,749. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Tennessee as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Tennessee movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,431 | 300 ft³ | 8.10 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,624 | 450 ft³ | 8.05 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,003 | 750 ft³ | 8.00 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,749 | 1100 ft³ | 7.95 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,645 | 1600 ft³ | 7.90 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,136 | 1800 ft³ | 7.85 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tennessee to California guide.
Popular California to Tennessee Moving Destinations
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Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular California to Tennessee Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best CA to TN Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
605 Providence Blvd
Clarksville, TN, 37042
About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Short-Term Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3378094 / 1193307 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Tennessee
Moving can be a whirlwind of decisions, especially when considering leaving the familiar behind for new prospects. To aid in decision-making, we present an unbiased comparison, diving into California to Tennessee relocation . Through these charts, we'll shed light on both the desirable and less appealing aspects of this transition, ensuring you have a comprehensive view of your potential new life.
California- High cost of living
- Dense traffic
- State income tax
- Earthquake risk
Tennessee- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- No state income tax
- Safe from earthquakes
Tennessee- No beaches
- Less diversity
- Smaller tech industry
- Humid summers
California- Beach access
- Diverse culture
- Innovative tech scene
- Mild winters
When moving from the bustling streets of Los Angeles or San Francisco to the serene landscapes of Tennessee, you'll immediately notice the change in your living expenses. Tennessee's lower cost of living means that dining out in popular local establishments like Husk Nashville or investing in a spacious home in areas such as Franklin becomes more attainable. You might miss the vibrant diversity of California's cities, yet cities like Nashville and Chattanooga offer a growing cultural scene rich in music, arts, and a unique blend of cuisines. The contrast in landscapes is quite striking too, with the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains offering a different charm compared to California's beaches. However, you'll find that the warmth of smaller communities and the absence of state income tax in Tennessee can present a refreshing change from California's intense hustle and high tax rates.
California vs. Tennessee Food Guide
Food is an integral aspect of local culture and gives a sense of what it's like to live in a region. In this guide, we will provide a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Tennessee to help you understand the diverse culinary landscapes you'll be stepping into.
| California | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sushi | Barbecue Ribs |
| Most popular meat dish | Taco | Hot Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | BBQ Jackfruit |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the culinary scene is diverse, embracing innovation with a health-conscious approach. L.A.'s street food, particularly its famed food truck tacos, offers a taste of the cultural melting pot that defines the state. Cities like San Francisco are known for their sushi restaurants, like Sushi World, which reflect the state's significant Asian influence and coastal access to fresh seafood. On the other end, Tennessee's culinary heritage is deeply rooted in comfort and tradition. Nashville, for instance, is world-renowned for its hot chicken, a fiery take on southern fried chicken, with establishments like Hot Chicken Palace standing as city landmarks. Barbecue, particularly in Memphis, with spots like Mama J's Barn & Grill, demonstrates the state's mastery in smoking and seasoning meats. Both states offer rich culinary experiences indicative of their unique cultural compositions.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Tennessee Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate stands as a crucial element when considering a relocation. Understanding how the housing markets in California and Tennessee stack up against each other provides valuable insight. This comparison aims to shed light on costs, statistics, architectural styles, and the overall livability of each state, aiding in your decision-making process.
| Comparison | California | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish, Modern | Traditional, Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, sustainability | Spacious yards, family-friendly neighborhoods |
In the realm of housing, the contrast between California and Tennessee is quite stark, especially when it comes to cost and architectural styles. California's housing market is notoriously expensive, often featuring homes with modern and Spanish influences, geared towards a more urban and eco-conscious buyer. Meanwhile, Tennessee offers more traditional homes at a significantly lower price point, appealing particularly to those looking for spacious yards and a family-friendly atmosphere. The difference in median monthly rent—nearly half in Tennessee compared to California—highlights the broader affordability Tennessee presents. However, those moving from California might miss the higher walkability and bikeability scores prevalent in California's cities. This trade-off between cost and lifestyle is a key consideration for anyone contemplating this move.
California vs. Tennessee Weather Considerations
When planning a move from California to Tennessee, understanding how the weather varies between these locations is crucial to preparing for your new environment. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in seasonal weather, humidity, sunshine, and more that you'll experience after your move.
California
Tennessee
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Tennessee
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Tennessee
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Tennessee
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies widely; major cities have poor air | Generally good, urban areas can be moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Tennessee shares a warm atmosphere with California, the seasonal variations and humidity levels mark a clear distinction. Tennessee summers are not only warmer but also significantly more humid, which can affect outdoor activities and overall comfort. Additionally, while California battles wildfires and earthquakes, Tennessee's weather threats include tornadoes and floods, requiring new residents to adapt to different emergency preparedness measures. Moving from the sunny, dry climate of California to the more humid and varied Tennessee seasons requires adjusting not just your wardrobe but also your home maintenance and health considerations for air quality and seasonal allergies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Tennessee
When planning a move from one state to another, comparing California to Tennessee in terms of financial and economic factors is crucial. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and employment opportunities will change can help you make an informed decision and prepare for your new life.
| Comparison | California | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $65,254 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 88.9 |
| State Income Tax | 1-13.3 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.68 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56 | 9.55 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Entertainment |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Homelessness | High | Lower than CA |
The key differences between California and Tennessee can significantly impact your finances after the move. California's average household income is notably higher, but so is the cost of living, driven largely by housing costs. Tennessee offers a more affordable lifestyle, highlighted by its absence of state income tax, which can result in more disposable income. While California boasts a strong technology and entertainment industry, Tennessee's growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors offer diverse employment opportunities. This transition could provide financial relief and a different quality of life, depending on your profession and lifestyle preferences.
California vs. Tennessee Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between California & Tennessee aims to provide a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of each state, offering insight into the communities you're moving from and to.
| California | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Primarily Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies; focus on environmental and social issues | Conservative policies; emphasis on fiscal restraint and traditional values |
| Religion | More religiously diverse; higher number of unaffiliated individuals | More religious homogeneity; predominantly Christian |
In moving from California to Tennessee, you'll experience a shift from a state known for its politically progressive stance to one where conservative values are often at the forefront. California's vibrant diversity in religious beliefs contrasts with Tennessee's strong Christian community, represented by various churches such as the Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. These differences are reflected not just in the voting booth but in local policies and community values. The change can be refreshing and offers an opportunity to immerse in a distinct cultural ethos.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Tennessee
Moving from California to Tennessee brings a lot of changes, especially when it comes to your children's education. Comparing the schools and education options between these states will help you understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Tennessee . This guide is aimed at giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in each state.
| California | Tennessee |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of California Stanford University California State UniversityUniversity of Tennessee Vanderbilt University Tennessee State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Reed Elementary (San Jose) El Marino Elementary (Culver City) Bowman International School (Palo Alto)Lakeland Elementary (Lakeland) Discovery School (Murfreesboro) Farragut Primary (Knoxville) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Redwood Middle (Saratoga) Hopkins Junior High (Fremont)Brentwood Middle (Brentwood) Meigs Middle Magnet (Nashville) Page Middle (Franklin) | |
Top 3 High Schools Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto) Monta Vista High (Cupertino) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)Hume-Fogg Academic (Nashville) Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro) Brentwood High (Brentwood) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai) Stanford Online High School (Stanford)Baylor School (Chattanooga) McCallie School (Chattanooga) Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School (Santa Monica) San Domenico School (San Anselmo)Baylor School (Chattanooga) Harpeth Hall School (Nashville) University School of Nashville (Nashville) | |
Top 3 School Districts Palo Alto Unified San Marino Unified La Cañada UnifiedWilliamson County Schools Maryville City Schools Oak Ridge School District | |
When diving into the specifics, California's education system is known for its strong emphasis on technology and innovation, thanks to its proximity to Silicon Valley. Schools like Henry M. Gunn High and Monta Vista High are standouts for STEM education. In Tennessee, the focus on comprehensive education is evident through programs in schools like Hume-Fogg Academic and Central Magnet School, emphasizing a well-rounded curriculum. Private education also offers distinct choices in both states, with California's Stanford Online High School providing a rigorous online program, while Tennessee's Baylor School focuses on building strong community ties alongside academic excellence. These differences highlight the diverse educational landscapes and opportunities available, ensuring that whether you're in California or Tennessee, there are quality options for your children’s education.
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