How Much Does It Cost to Move from Nashville to Chattanooga?
Nashville to Chattanooga is a quick 130-mile trip southeast on I-24. Full-service movers average $2,300, and DIY runs $920-$1,150. The drive takes under 2 hours. Chattanooga draws Nashville transplants with its affordable housing, revitalized downtown, and one of the fastest municipal internet networks in the country.
From
Nashville, Tennessee
To
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Distance
130 miles
Drive Time
~2 hrs
Mover Transit
1 day
Nashville to Chattanooga Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $2,300 |
| DIY rental truck | $920 |
| Distance | 130 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 1 day |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $1,380 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
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FAQ — Nashville to Chattanooga Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move Nashville to Chattanooga?
Moving Nashville to Chattanooga costs an average of $2,300 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $920 including fuel.
How long does it take to move Nashville to Chattanooga?
Transit time for a Nashville to Chattanooga move is typically 1 day for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a Nashville to Chattanooga move?
DIY saves roughly $1,380 on a Nashville to Chattanooga move ($920 vs. $2,300). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a Nashville to Chattanooga move?
The Nashville to Chattanooga route covers approximately 130 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a Nashville to Chattanooga move?
Budget $2,300 for professional movers or $920 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Nashville to Chattanooga move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.
From the Blog
Route costs are averages for a 2-bedroom home. DIY costs include truck rental and fuel. Actual costs vary by weight, season, and carrier.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data