Movers

DC to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 704 mile interstate move from DC to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Half-smoke vs Barbecue ribs), real estate & housing (federal and victorian vs colonial revival and ranch style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-smoke and Mumbo sauce with wings, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue ribs & Hot chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Tennessee is 29.94% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended DC to Tennessee movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Tennessee

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Hectic lifestyle
  • Limited outdoor spaces
  • Cold winters
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Relaxed pace
  • Abundant nature
  • Mild winters

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Limited nightlife
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • More car reliance
  • Fewer job markets
  • Less diversity
DC iconDC
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Cultural institutions
  • Public transportation
  • Professional opportunities
  • Diverse population

Pros of moving from DC to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Tennessee with less traffic
  • Swap the hectic lifestyle of DC for a relaxed pace in Tennessee
  • Get ready for abundant nature in Tennessee

Cons of moving from DC to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant nightlife in DC to live with limited nightlife in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural institutions and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural venues
  • Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to more reliance on cars in Tennessee
  • Swap professional opportunities for fewer job markets

DC vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCTennessee
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeBarbecue ribs
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with wingsHot chicken
Most popular street food itemJumbo slice pizzaPulled pork sandwich
Most popular vegan foodChickpea tacosBBQ jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Central BBQ
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Chez Philippe
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Barbecue ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce with wings and sumptuous Jumbo slice pizza, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot chicken and Pulled pork sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chickpea tacos 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rose's Luxury. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Central BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and Chez Philippe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Tennessee

ComparisonDCTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianColonial Revival and Ranch Style
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, Historic CharmLarge Yards, Peaceful surroundings
  • The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Ranch Style architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic charm, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and peaceful surroundings.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 29.94% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCTennessee
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesTornadoes, Earthquakes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (°F)88°F / 71°F89°F / 67°F
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47°F / 30°F49°F / 29°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)43"54"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.4"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 2% more sunshine days than DC.
  • Tennessee has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in DC, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and earthquakes in Tennessee.
  • The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 1 degree warmer than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 11 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Tennessee

ComparisonDCTennessee
Avg. Household Income$101,027$65,254
Cost of Living Index140.188.9
State Income Tax10.50%0.00%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, HealthcareHealthcare, Automotive, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLess noticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 35% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 37% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in DC and less noticeable in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Tennessee

ComparisonDCTennessee
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive Urban PoliciesConservative, with a focus on traditional values
ReligionHigh percentage of non-religious residentsPredominantly Christian, with a strong evangelical presence
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with a strong evangelical presence
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a high percentage of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Tennessee

ComparisonDCTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
Vanderbilt University
University of Tennessee
Sewanee: The University of the South
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Lafayette Elementary
Mann Elementary
Lipscomb Elementary
Percy Priest Elementary
New Hope Academy
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Jefferson Middle School Academy
Brentwood Middle School
West End Middle School
MLK Jr. Magnet- Pearl High School
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Banneker High School
Wilson High School
Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet
Central Magnet School
Brentwood High School
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Preparatory School
St. Albans School
Baylor School
Montgomery Bell Academy
Harpeth Hall School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School
National Cathedral School
Sidwell Friends School
Baylor School
McCallie School
University School of Nashville
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge City Schools

How Much Do DC to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 704 miles from DC to Tennessee will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,602300 ft3$5.34
1 Bedroom$2,380450 ft3$5.29
2 Bedrooms$3,929750 ft3$5.24
3 Bedrooms$5,7081100 ft3$5.19
4 Bedrooms$8,2221600 ft3$5.14
5+ Bedrooms$9,1601800 ft3$5.09

Top DC to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Tennessee

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details