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Indiana to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 426 mile interstate move from Indiana to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (midwestern, ranch vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef and Noodles, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Tennessee is 24.58% more expensive than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Indiana to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Tennessee

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat terrain
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Long commutes
  • Higher property taxes
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Milder climate
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Diverse outdoor recreation
  • Shorter commutes
  • Lower property taxes

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Less agricultural landscape
  • New cultural norms
  • Higher sales tax
  • Less urban development
  • SEC sports instead
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lush farmlands
  • Familiar culture
  • Lower sales taxes
  • Indianapolis attractions
  • Big Ten sports

Pros of moving from Indiana to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Tennessee with scenic landscapes
  • Swap the fewer outdoor activities of Indiana for diverse outdoor recreation in Tennessee
  • Get ready for shorter commutes in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Indiana to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush farmlands in Indiana to live with less agricultural landscape in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar culture and have to settle with the con of new cultural norms
  • Time to bid farewell to lower sales taxes and get used to higher sales tax in Tennessee
  • Swap Indianapolis attractions for less urban development

Indiana vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishBeef and NoodlesHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemPopcornPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Milktooth
  • Bluebeard
  • Jack's Bar-B-Que
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
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 Indiana to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Beef and Noodles and sumptuous Popcorn, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain 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 Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Milktooth, and Bluebeard. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Jack's Bar-B-Que, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and Hattie B's Hot Chicken.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Tennessee

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleMidwestern, RanchColonial, 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, BasementsMountain views, Proximity to nature
  • The Midwestern and Ranch architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and basements, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Tennessee is more walkable than Indiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Tennessee is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • Tennessee has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 24.58% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Earthquakes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6489/68
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2049/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4253
Annual Snowfall (Inches)225
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 11% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and earthquakes in Tennessee.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 4 degrees warmer than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Tennessee

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$66,785$65,254
Cost of Living Index92.9588.9
State Income Tax3.23%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareHealthcare, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 2% less than those in Indiana
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to lower poverty in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and moderate in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Tennessee

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
Political Make-upLean RepublicanStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal & rural conservative areasDominantly conservative, especially in rural areas
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communities in urban areasChristianity predominant, specifically Evangelical Protestant
  • Indiana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, specifically Evangelical Protestant
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Tennessee

ComparisonIndianaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
University of Notre Dame
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Middle Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSignature School (Evansville)
Homestead Senior High School (Fort Wayne)
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School (West Lafayette)
Lockeland Elementary Design Center (Nashville)
Lipscomb Academy Elementary School (Nashville)
New Hope Academy (Franklin)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorthview Middle School (Indianapolis)
Brownsburg East Middle School (Brownsburg)
Fall Creek Valley Middle School (Lawrence)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Meigs Middle Magnet School (Nashville)
Page Middle School (Franklin)
Top 3 High SchoolsCarmel High School (Carmel)
Munster High School (Munster)
Signature School (Evansville)
Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Top 3 private high schoolsCulver Academies (Culver)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
University High School of Indiana (Carmel)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTraders Point Christian Academy (Whitestown)
Heritage Christian School (Indianapolis)
The Orchard School (Indianapolis)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Webb School of Knoxville (Knoxville)
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools (Carmel)
Zionsville Community Schools (Zionsville)
West Lafayette Community School Corporation (West Lafayette)
Williamson County Schools (Franklin)
Franklin Special School District (Franklin)
Metro Nashville Public Schools (Nashville)

How Much Do Indiana to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 426 miles from Indiana 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,444300 ft3$4.81
1 Bedroom$2,143450 ft3$4.76
2 Bedrooms$3,535750 ft3$4.71
3 Bedrooms$5,1301100 ft3$4.66
4 Bedrooms$7,3811600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2141800 ft3$4.56

Top Indiana to Tennessee Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Indiana 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 Indiana to Tennessee

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details