Mississippi to Tennessee Moving Guide
Updated June 8, 2025

Planning a 346 mile interstate move from Mississippi to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Mississippi vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs mild climate), food & health (like Catfish vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (antebellum, ranch vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Tennessee), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Catfish and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Pulled Pork
- Tennessee housing costs are 78% more expensive than they are in Mississippi
- Rent in Tennessee is 22.80% more expensive than in Mississippi
- Moving from Mississippi to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Mississippi to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
Mississippi to Tennessee Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to Tennessee
- High humidity
- Limited job opportunities
- Lower educational rankings
- Rural isolation
- Mild climate
- Diverse economy
- Strong schools
- Vibrant cities
- Higher cost of living
- Adjustment to new culture
- Busier lifestyle
- More crowded
- Lower cost of living
- Familiar community
- Quieter lifestyle
- Rich history
Pros of moving from Mississippi to Tennessee
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a mild climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Tennessee with a diverse economy
- Swap the lower educational rankings of Mississippi for strong schools in Tennessee
- Get ready for vibrant cities in Tennessee
Cons of moving from Mississippi to Tennessee
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Mississippi to live with a higher cost of living in Tennessee
- You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar community and have to settle for the con of adjusting to a new culture
- Time to bid farewell to a quieter lifestyle and get used to a busier lifestyle in Tennessee
- Swap rich history for a more crowded atmosphere
Mississippi vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Catfish | Barbecue Ribs |
Most popular meat dish | Fried Chicken | Pulled Pork |
Most popular street food item | Tamales | Hot Chicken |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | BBQ Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Mississippi to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Tamales, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Hot Chicken to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo 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 Mississippi eateries like Doe's Eat Place, City Grocery, and Weidmann's. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, and Loveless Cafe.
When comparing lifestyles, Tennessee shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Mississippi. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Tennessee compared to what you are used to in Mississippi. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Tennessee.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and Tennessee
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Ranch | Victorian, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, quiet neighborhoods | Proximity to amenities, modern updates |
- The Antebellum and Ranch architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
- Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and modern updates.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Tennessee is more walkable than Mississippi.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Tennessee is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
- Tennessee has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
- Tennessee housing costs are 78% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Mississippiβs $178,490.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased 63% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
- Rent in Tennessee is 22.80% more expensive than in Mississippi.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Mississippi and Tennessee
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 91Β°F / 70Β°F | 89Β°F / 68Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 55Β°F / 34Β°F | 49Β°F / 30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 59 | 54 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 6 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Mississippi to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Mississippi.
- Tennessee has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Mississippi.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
- The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 2 degrees colder than in Mississippi.
- The average winter lows in Tennessee are 4 degrees colder than those in Mississippi.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and Tennessee
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $52,719 | $65,254 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.1 | 88.9 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.81% | 0.64% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Energy | Healthcare, Automotive Manufacturing, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | High | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 24% more than in Mississippi
- The COLI in Tennessee will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Mississippi
- Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
- The affluence in Tennessee is higher compared to moderate affluence in Mississippi
- The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to high poverty in Mississippi
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Mississippi and low in Tennessee
Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. Tennessee
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally leans Republican, with a strong conservative base | Mix of Republican dominance in rural areas, with Democratic strongholds in cities like Memphis and Nashville |
Local Politics | Local governments often focus on agricultural and rural community issues | Local governments balance between urban concerns in cities and rural priorities in countryside areas |
Religion | Highly religious state, with a significant Baptist presence | Diverse religious landscape, but with a strong Protestant majority |
- Mississippi tends to lean traditionally Republican, with a strong conservative base in its political climate
- Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of Republican dominance in rural areas and Democratic strongholds in cities like Memphis and Nashville
- Tennessee's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, but with a strong Protestant majority
- Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a highly religious state, with a significant Baptist presence
Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to Tennessee
Comparison | Mississippi | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of Southern Mississippi | University of Tennessee Vanderbilt University Tennessee State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mannsdale Upper Elementary (Madison) Oxford Elementary (Oxford) Ann Smith Elementary (Ridgeland) | Linden Elementary School (Oak Ridge) Lockeland Elementary School (Nashville) A. B. Hill Elementary (Memphis) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Northwest Rankin Middle School (Flowood) Madison Middle School (Madison) Oxford Middle School (Oxford) | Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville) Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood) Houston Middle School (Germantown) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (Columbus) Oxford High School (Oxford) Madison Central High School (Madison) | Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (Nashville) Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro) Brentwood High School (Brentwood) |
Top 3 private high schools | Jackson Preparatory School (Flowood) St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland) Jackson Academy (Jackson) | Baylor School (Chattanooga) Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville) Ensworth School (Nashville) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland) Jackson Academy (Jackson) Presbyterian Christian School (Hattiesburg) | Baylor School (Chattanooga) Ensworth School (Nashville) University School of Nashville (Nashville) |
Top 3 School Districts | Madison County School District Clinton Public School District Ocean Springs School District | Williamson County Schools Oak Ridge City Schools Maryville City Schools |
How Much Do Mississippi to Tennessee Movers Cost?
Moving 346 miles from Mississippi 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: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,399 | 300 ft3 | $4.66 |
1 Bedroom | $2,075 | 450 ft3 | $4.61 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,422 | 750 ft3 | $4.56 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,963 | 1100 ft3 | $4.51 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,139 | 1600 ft3 | $4.46 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,942 | 1800 ft3 | $4.41 |
Top Mississippi to Tennessee Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Mississippi to Tennessee movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
Best moving company overall for Mississippi to Tennessee