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Alabama to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 262 mile interstate move from Alabama to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Hot Chicken), real estate & housing (antebellum, colonial vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Tennessee), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Chicken & Memphis BBQ
  • Tennessee housing costs are 40% more expensive than they are in Alabama
  • Rent in Tennessee is 14.05% more expensive than in Alabama
  • Moving from Alabama to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Alabama to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Alabama to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Tennessee

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • High humidity
  • Fewer hiking trails
  • Limited job market
  • Scarcity of live music venues
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Milder climate
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Growing industries
  • Nashville’s music scene

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Higher property taxes
  • Fewer traditional meals
  • Heavier traffic in cities
  • More tourist traps
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Lower cost of living
  • Traditional Southern cuisine
  • Less congestion
  • Rich historical sites

Pros of moving from Alabama to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer hiking trails and moving to Tennessee with the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Swap the limited job market of Alabama for growing industries in Tennessee
  • Get ready for Nashville’s music scene in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Alabama to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Alabama to live with higher property taxes in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of traditional Southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer traditional meals
  • Time to bid farewell to less congestion and get used to heavier traffic in cities in Tennessee
  • Swap rich historical sites for more tourist traps

Alabama vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsHot Chicken
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkMemphis BBQ
Most popular street food itemConecuh SausageSmoked Sausage
Most popular vegan foodOkra StewBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • Corky's BBQ
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alabama to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Hot Chicken of Tennessee. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Conecuh Sausage, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Memphis BBQ and Smoked Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Dreamland BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bob Gibson. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Prince's Hot Chicken, and Corky's BBQ.

When comparing lifestyles, Tennessee shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Tennessee compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Tennessee.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Tennessee

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, ColonialVictorian, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, PorchesOutdoor living spaces, Proximity to amenities
  • The Antebellum and Colonial architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and porches, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor living spaces and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Tennessee is more walkable than Alabama.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Tennessee is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
  • Tennessee has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 40% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 14.05% more expensive than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Tennessee

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 72Β°F88Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)58"54"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"6"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
  • Tennessee has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Tennessee.
  • The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 2 degrees colder than in Alabama.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Tennessee

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$59,674$65,254
Cost of Living Index91.288.9
State Income Tax50
Avg. Property Tax0.40.7
Avg. Sales Tax9.29.5
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Retail, AgricultureHealthcare, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyMediumMedium
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 9% more than in Alabama
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Alabama
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate in Alabama
  • The poverty level is medium in Tennessee compared to medium in Alabama
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and moderate in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Tennessee

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeLeans Conservative
Local PoliticsFocus on agricultural and industrial sectorsEmphasis on healthcare, music industry, and technology
ReligionPrimarily Evangelical ChristianDiverse; Predominantly Evangelical Christian but with a substantial Catholic community
  • Alabama tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as diverse, predominantly Evangelical Christian but with a substantial Catholic community
  • Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Evangelical Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Tennessee

ComparisonAlabamaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLegacy Elementary - Madison
Mt. Laurel Elementary - Birmingham
Rock Quarry Elementary - Tuscaloosa
Lipscomb Elementary - Brentwood
Percy Priest Elementary - Nashville
New Hope Elementary - Hendersonville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLiberty Park Middle - Vestavia Hills
Mountain Brook Junior High - Mountain Brook
Discovery Middle - Madison
Brentwood Middle - Brentwood
Meigs Magnetic Middle School - Nashville
Houston Middle - Germantown
Top 3 High School SchoolsLoveless Academic Magnet Program High - Montgomery
Mountain Brook High - Mountain Brook
Bob Jones High - Madison
Hume-Fogg Academic High - Nashville
Central Magnet School - Murfreesboro
Brentwood High - Brentwood
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Randolph School - Huntsville
Baylor School - Chattanooga
McCallie School - Chattanooga
Montgomery Bell Academy - Nashville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMadison Academy - Madison
The Donoho School - Anniston
UMS-Wright Preparatory School - Mobile
University School of Nashville - Nashville
Harding Academy - Nashville
Evangelical Christian School - Memphis
Top 3 School DistrictsMountain Brook City Schools
Homewood City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Williamson County Schools
Oak Ridge City Schools
Maryville City Schools

How Much Do Alabama to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 262 miles from Alabama to Tennessee will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,351300 ft3$4.50
1 Bedroom$2,004450 ft3$4.45
2 Bedrooms$3,303750 ft3$4.40
3 Bedrooms$4,7891100 ft3$4.35
4 Bedrooms$6,8851600 ft3$4.30
5+ Bedrooms$7,6561800 ft3$4.25

Top Alabama to Tennessee Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Tennessee movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for Alabama to Tennessee

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details