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 352 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.

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Best Tennessee to California Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Alpha Moving & Storage LLC9.419.29Authorized For HHG
4Boundless Moving & Storage9.349.36Authorized For Property, HHG
5Rice's Professional Moving Service9.309.61Authorized For Property
6Two Men And A Truck9.158.43Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,429300 ft³$8.10
1 Bedroom$3,621450 ft³$8.05
2 Bedrooms$5,998750 ft³$8.00
3 Bedrooms$8,7421100 ft³$7.95
4 Bedrooms$12,6361600 ft³$7.90
5+ Bedrooms$14,1261800 ft³$7.85
*Please note: These Tennessee to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TN to CA mover.
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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 Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC Logo

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 724+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3378094 / 1193307

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,230+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Rice's Professional Moving Service Logo

Rice's Professional Moving Service

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 599+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3941233 / 1463771

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved2,500 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Two Men And A Truck Logo

Two Men And A Truck

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 263+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1108883 / 483210

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans25
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved385,784 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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

This comparison is designed to provide you with an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Tennessee to California . The charts aim to help you weigh your choices carefully .

CONs
PROs
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • High humidity
  • Limited job market
  • Few direct flights
  • Mediocre public transport
  • Fewer cultural events
California iconCalifornia
  • Lower humidity
  • Robust tech industry
  • Major airports access
  • Extensive transit systems
  • Rich cultural diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Less greenery
  • Competitive environment
  • Competitive arts scene
  • Frenetic lifestyle
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Abundant green spaces
  • Friendly communities
  • Strong music scene
  • Slower pace of life

When moving from Tennessee to California, your adventures will range from a more extensive job market to diverse cultural opportunities. Picture evenings spent exploring Griffith Park's charming trails instead of just your local park. As you move to a more urban environment, you can also dive into California's rich food scene, exploring dining spots like Los Angeles' iconic Gjelina and San Francisco's Zuni Café. While the cost of living is higher, you're investing in access to bustling innovation centers like Silicon Valley, which boast world-renowned tech companies. If you cherish the arts, California offers an arts scene that's as vibrant as its sunsets over Santa Monica Pier.

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
  • The Rendezvous
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • Loveless Cafe
  • Chez Panisse
  • Gjelina
  • n/naka
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.

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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.

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
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Floods
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate to Unhealthy (varies widely across the state)
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/69
85/60
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

49/30
68/48


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

50
22 (varies significantly by region)
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
0 (except for mountainous areas)


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.

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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.

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.

TennesseeCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of California
Stanford University
California State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lipscomb Elementary - Brentwood
Percy Priest Elementary - Nashville
Clovercroft Elementary - Franklin
Point 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 - Franklin
Sierra 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 - Brentwood
Henry 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 - Nashville
The 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 - Nashville
The 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 District
San 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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