Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Nashvilletoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Nashville can be as low as $1,541 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,828.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,523 to $3,843. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Nashville

San Francisco Nashville
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,971
Average home value $1,241,003 $428,678
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $79,020
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $1,221
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $4,403
Unemployment rate 5.4% 4.5%
Sales tax 8.63% 9.75%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Nashville are 39% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Nashville are 65.5% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Nashville is 42.2% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 67.7% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 49.5% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Nashville is 16.67% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Nashville are 12.98% higher than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Nashville are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $968.79 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Nashville

Nashville San Francisco
Population 689,447 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 10
Walkability score 96 99
Bike friendliness score 72 99
Crime Index 49.1 61.41
Safety Index 50.9 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Nashville's population is about 15% less than San Francisco.
  • Nashville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Nashville is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 96 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Nashville has a bike-friendliness score 72 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Nashville's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 49.1 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Nashville is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 50.9 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Nashville is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Nashville move

  • Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Nashville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Nashville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of the South", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Nashville.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • Germantown
  • The Gulch
  • Midtown
  • Music Row

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Belmont-Hillsboro
  • Buena Vista
  • Green Hills
  • Lockeland Springs
  • Oak Hill

Things to do in Nashvilletoggle

After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Nashville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Nashville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Nashville?

The best time to move from San Francisco to Nashville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Nashville?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Nashville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Francisco to Nashville take?

The 2,302-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Nashville, TN, takes seven to 18 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Nashville.

Helpful moving resources

San Francisco moving services

Popular California routes

Popular moving resources