California to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Tennessee

ConsCalifornia

• High living costs
• Expensive housing
• High state taxes
• Traffic congestion
• Long commutes
• Wildfire risk
• Water restrictions
• Earthquake risk
• Strict regulations
• High gas prices
• Costly home insurance
• Crowded cities
• Parking scarcity
• High utility rates
• Smoggy days
• Car registration fees

ProsTennessee

• Lower living costs
• Affordable housing
• No income tax
• Lighter traffic
• Shorter commutes
• Lower wildfire risk
• Abundant rainfall
• Fewer earthquakes
• Business-friendly rules
• Cheaper gasoline
• Lower insurance costs
• More elbow room
• Easier parking
• Lower electricity rates
• Cleaner air
• Cheaper registration

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Tennessee

• Hot humid summers
• Landlocked state
• Fewer top universities
• Smaller tech market
• Limited public transit
• Fewer direct flights
• Winter cold snaps
• Fewer coastal drives
• Longer drives to coasts
• Smaller entertainment scene
• Smaller dining scene
• Fewer pro teams
• Fewer global hubs

California

• Mild coastal climate
• Ocean beaches
• World-class universities
• Robust tech jobs
• Extensive public transit
• International flight options
• Year-round outdoor sports
• Scenic Pacific Highway
• Mountain-to-sea access
• Cutting-edge entertainment
• Diverse dining scenes
• Major league variety
• Global trade gateways

Pros of moving from California to Tennessee

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to Tennessee with affordable housing
• Swap the high state taxes of California for no income tax in Tennessee
• Get ready for lighter traffic in Tennessee

Cons of moving from California to Tennessee

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild coastal climate in California to live with hot humid summers in Tennessee
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean beaches and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
• Time to bid farewell to world-class universities and get used to fewer top universities in Tennessee
• Swap robust tech jobs for a smaller tech market

California vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious barbecue ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tacos and sumptuous food truck tacos, Tennessee residents know they have tasty hot chicken and pulled pork sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the acai bowl 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 California eateries like Chez Bateau, Sushi World, and Vegan Dreams. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Mama J's Barn & Grill, Hot Chicken Palace, and Southern Comfort Dine.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Tennessee

• The Spanish and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Colonial architecture typical of Tennessee.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and sustainability, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than California.
• Tennessee has less of an urban feel than California.
• Tennessee housing costs are 59% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Tennessee is 38.34% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 27% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Tennessee has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 5 degrees warmer than California.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 32 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Tennessee

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 29% less than in California
• The COLI in Tennessee will be 35% lower than what you are used to living in California
• Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Tennessee compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Tennessee

• California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Tennessee's religious environment can be described as more religiously homogeneous and predominantly Christian
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more religiously diverse with a higher number of unaffiliated individuals

Education Guide When Moving from California to Tennessee

How Much Do California to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 2,167 miles from California to Tennessee will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.