Best Tennessee to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Tennessee to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,164 mile TN to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 366 Tennessee to California moving companies and more than 20,000 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 Tennessee compared to California. 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 Tennessee to California 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 | Alpha Moving & Storage LLC | 9.40 | 9.29 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Rice's Professional Moving Service | 9.28 | 9.61 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | Two Men And A Truck | 9.10 | 8.43 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Tennessee to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,164 miles from Tennessee to California will cost on average $3,621 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom TN to CA move is roughly $8,742. 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 Tennessee and dropoff in California 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 Tennessee to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,429 | 300 ft³ | 8.10 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,621 | 450 ft³ | 8.05 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,998 | 750 ft³ | 8.00 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,742 | 1100 ft³ | 7.95 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,636 | 1600 ft³ | 7.90 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,126 | 1800 ft³ | 7.85 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Tennessee guide.
Popular Tennessee to California 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 Tennessee to California Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best TN to CA 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) |
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) |
Rice's Professional Moving Service
221 Dorothy Jordan Ave
Gallatin, TN, 37066
About Rice's Professional Moving Service
Rice's Professional Moving Services is a locally-owned, licensed, and insured full-service moving company that customizes each move to accommodate clients' specific...
Services
- Residential Move
- Local Move
- Commercial Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3941233 / 1463771 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 2,500 (2022) |
Two Men And A Truck
Cookeville, TN, 38501
About Two Men And A Truck
With more than 35 years in the business, "Two Men And A Truck" is a national moving company known for its...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1108883 / 483210 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 25 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 385,784 (2023) |
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 Tennessee to California
Making the leap from Tennessee to California represents a significant change in lifestyle and opportunities. Through our charts, we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison between Tennessee's cons and California's pros, allowing you to weigh the good against the bad in this relocation decision. By understanding both sides of the coin, you'll be better equipped to make an informed choice that aligns with your aspirations and lifestyle preferences.
Tennessee- Higher humidity
- Less diverse cuisine
- Fewer job opportunities in tech
- More conservative culture
- Limited outdoor activities
California- Milder climate
- World-class dining
- Tech industry hub
- Progressive environment
- Diverse landscapes
California- Higher expenses
- Possible overcrowding
- Water scarcity concerns
- Earthquake risk
- Heavy traffic areas
Tennessee- Lower cost of living
- Close-knit communities
- Abundant greenery
- Historic charm
- Less traffic congestion
Relocating from Tennessee to California introduces you to an array of world-class dining options, from the seafood delights at Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco to the innovative culinary experiences in Los Angeles' Noma. You'll also discover a wealth of outdoor activities, whether you're exploring the vast trails of Yosemite National Park or soaking up the sun at Venice Beach. However, it's important to budget for higher living expenses in California, from housing to utilities. Despite the potential for earthquakes and water scarcity issues, California's progressive environment and tech industry hub offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth unlike anywhere in Tennessee.
Tennessee vs. California Food Guide
When relocating, it's crucial to immerse in the local culture, a significant part of which is the culinary scene. To aid in this transition, we've put together a comparison of the local cuisine between Tennessee & California . This guide will give you a taste of what to expect from the food scene in your new home.
| Tennessee | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | BBQ Ribs | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Hot Chicken | Tri-tip Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Pulled Pork Sandwich | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Exploring the food scene in California reveals a diverse and health-conscious landscape, where vegan options abound and fitness is a priority. You'll find the iconic Fish Tacos in beachside shacks along the coast, and in urban settings, the culinary scene thrives with an impressive array of street food offerings like Street Tacos, diverse due to California's multicultural population. The state is also home to pioneering restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, known for sparking the farm-to-table movement, and n/naka in Los Angeles, where the art of kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) is practiced with a Californian twist. This rich food culture is a reflection of the state's diverse population and abundant local produce, ensuring that your culinary adventures will be as varied as they are delicious.
Ready to start your move?
Tennessee vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Relocating involves numerous considerations, but among them, understanding the real estate differences between Tennessee and California stands crucial for a smooth transition. Knowing how these aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities compare can greatly influence your decision process.
| Comparison | Tennessee | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Traditional, Colonial | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, privacy | Eco-friendly features, proximity to amenities |
Moving from Tennessee to California introduces a stark contrast in the living environment and cost of living. In California, the emphasis on modern and Spanish architecture reflects a distinct aesthetic preference, as well as the state's historical background. Urban lifestyle scores higher in California due to its cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where walkability and access to amenities are prioritized. This urban appeal might come with a heftier price tag but promises an eco-friendlier living with features like solar panels being commonplace in listings. The substantial difference in housing costs, with California's median home price and rent significantly higher than Tennessee's, underscores the importance of financial planning before making the move.
Tennessee vs. California Weather Considerations
When preparing to move from Tennessee to California, it's essential to understand how the weather in Tennessee contrasts with weather in California . This comparison will give you a clear perspective on what changes to anticipate in terms of climate, helping you make a smooth transition to your new home.
Tennessee
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tennessee
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tennessee
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tennessee
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tennessee | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate to Unhealthy (varies widely across the state) |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Tennessee to California, you'll enjoy more sunshine days and milder winters in California, but you might need to adjust to the drier climate and prepare for different natural disasters, such as earthquakes and wildfires, not prevalent in Tennessee. The variation in humidity levels will also influence your daily comfort, with California generally being less humid. Notably, California's diverse geography leads to significant variations in weather patterns across the state, something to consider when choosing your new home within the Golden State.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tennessee to California
When considering a move from Tennessee to California, it's crucial to grasp the financial implications of such a transition. Understanding the cost of living, taxation, and economic opportunities between Tennessee and California will help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Tennessee | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $65,254 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 1-13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.64 | 0.77 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.55 | 8.68 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Tennessee to California, you'll encounter a significant hike in the cost of living, primarily driven by higher housing costs in California. Despite the enticing higher average household income in California, the state's higher tax burden, including a progressive income tax and higher average property tax, can offset these gains. The diverse economic landscape in California, dominated by technology, agriculture, and entertainment, contrasts with Tennessee's healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors, offering a broader range of job opportunities but also presenting a competitive job market. Understanding these financial implications is essential for a smooth transition.
Tennessee vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Tennessee to California offers an intriguing look at the differences between the two states. This comparison is designed to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Tennessee & California. Understanding these aspects can greatly enhance your transition experience.
| Tennessee | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Conservative lean, especially in rural areas | Liberal lean, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco |
| Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | More diverse religious landscape, with lower overall religiosity |
When moving from Tennessee to California, you'll notice a dramatic shift in the political climate. Tennessee's traditional conservative stance contrasts with California's liberal policies, especially evident in policies related to healthcare, environmental regulations, and social programs. Religious makeup also varies greatly, with Tennessee having a significantly more religious, predominantly Christian population. In contrast, California presents a mosaic of belief systems and a more secular lifestyle overall. Understanding these differences can help you navigate new social, cultural, and political landscapes as you make California your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to California
Moving between states can be a daunting task, especially when considering the quality of education for your children. This chart is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Tennessee and California, from elementary right through to college.
| Tennessee | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Tennessee Vanderbilt University Tennessee State UniversityUniversity of California Stanford University California State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lipscomb Elementary - Brentwood Percy Priest Elementary - Nashville Clovercroft Elementary - FranklinPoint Vicente Elementary - Rancho Palos Verdes Mill Valley Middle - Mill Valley Pacific Elementary - Manhattan Beach | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Brentwood Middle - Brentwood Meigs Magnet Middle - Nashville Page Middle - FranklinSierra Canyon School - Chatsworth Miller Creek Middle School - San Rafael Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle - Palo Alto | |
Top 3 High School Schools Hume-Fogg Academic High - Nashville Central Magnet School - Murfreesboro Brentwood High - BrentwoodHenry M. Gunn High - Palo Alto Torrey Pines High - San Diego Lynbrook High - San Jose | |
Top 3 private high schools Baylor School - Chattanooga The McCallie School - Chattanooga Montgomery Bell Academy - NashvilleThe Thacher School - Ojai Harvard-Westlake School - Los Angeles Phillips Academy - Andover | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Baylor School - Chattanooga Ensworth School - Nashville University School of Nashville - NashvilleThe Nueva School - Hillsborough Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences - Santa Monica The College Preparatory School - Oakland | |
Top 3 School Districts Williamson County Schools Maryville City Schools Franklin Special School DistrictSan Marino Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Arcadia Unified School District | |
When comparing the top educational institutions, it's clear that both Tennessee and California offer unique advantages. For example, California's Stanford University and University of California are renowned for their research and innovation, attracting students globally. In contrast, Tennessee prides itself on the historical significance and academic excellence of schools like Vanderbilt University. High schools such as Palo Alto's Henry M. Gunn and Nashville's Hume-Fogg Academic High demonstrate the diversity in educational philosophies and settings, with both states providing a range of public and private options to suit diverse educational needs.
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