Michigan to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Tennessee

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High state taxes
• Poor road conditions
• Rust Belt economy
• Limited barbecue choices

ProsTennessee

• Mild winters
• No state income tax
• Better maintained roads
• Growing job market
• Rich barbecue culture

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Tennessee

• No large bodies of water
• Hot, humid summers
• Fewer top-ranked schools
• Different foliage
• Less cultural diversity

Michigan

• Great Lakes access
• Four distinct seasons
• Renowned universities
• Autumn scenery
• Diverse cultural scene

Pros of moving from Michigan to Tennessee

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Tennessee with no state income tax
• Swap the poor road conditions of Michigan for better maintained roads in Tennessee
• Get ready for a growing job market in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Michigan to Tennessee

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Great Lakes access in Michigan to live with no large bodies of water in Tennessee
• You'll lose out on the pro of four distinct seasons and have to settle for the con of hot, humid summers
• Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to fewer top-ranked schools in Tennessee
• Swap autumn scenery for different foliage

Michigan vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Memphis BBQ of Tennessee. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and BBQ Ribs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Coney Dogs 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 Michigan eateries like American Coney Island, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Slows Bar BQ. 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, and Husk Nashville.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Tennessee

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and acreage, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and historical significance.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Tennessee is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Tennessee has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Tennessee housing costs are 32% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Tennessee is 15.90% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 22% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and freezing rain in Michigan, 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 10 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 20.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Tennessee

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 3% less than in Michigan
• The COLI in Tennessee will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Michigan
• Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to moderate in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Tennessee

• Michigan tends to lean often competitive statewide with a near-even split between Democrats and Republicans and margins in major elections are frequently narrow in its political climate
• Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Republican at the statewide level and the GOP typically holds the governor's office and strong legislative majorities
• Tennessee's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant with a strong evangelical and southern Baptist presence and a smaller Catholic share and the religiously unaffiliated are present but constitute a smaller portion than in Michigan
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a notable Catholic presence and meaningful Jewish and Muslim communities in Metro Detroit and a growing share of the religiously unaffiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Tennessee

How Much Do Michigan to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 708 miles from Michigan 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.