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North Carolina to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 554 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs lower storm activity), food & health (like Eastern NC Barbecue vs Memphis BBQ), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs victorian, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Eastern NC Barbecue and Pulled pork, but get your taste buds ready for Memphis BBQ & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 4% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Tennessee is 2.95% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Tennessee movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Tennessee

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane risk
  • Higher taxes
  • Busy urban centers
  • High humidity
  • Seasonal pollen
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower storm activity
  • No state income tax
  • More rural landscapes
  • Milder summers
  • Less allergy-prone areas

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Landlocked
  • Fewer metropolitan areas
  • Fewer educational options
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer historic sites
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Coastal access
  • Diverse cities
  • Renowned universities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Historic landmarks

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to lower storm activity
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Tennessee with no state income tax
  • Swap the busy urban centers of North Carolina for more rural landscapes in Tennessee
  • Get ready for milder summers in Tennessee

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal access in North Carolina to live landlocked in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse cities and have to settle for the con of fewer metropolitan areas
  • Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to fewer educational options in Tennessee
  • Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

North Carolina vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemEastern NC BarbecueMemphis BBQ
Most popular meat dishPulled porkHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsBBQ Nachos
Most popular vegan foodSweet Potato PieBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skylight Inn BBQ
  • Cheyenne's Diner
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Central BBQ
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • 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 North Carolina to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Eastern NC Barbecue of North Carolina for the equally delicious Memphis BBQ of Tennessee. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and BBQ Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato Pie 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 North Carolina eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Cheyenne's Diner, and Lexington Barbecue. 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 Hattie B's Hot Chicken.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Tennessee

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialVictorian, Ranch
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 listingOpen floor plans, outdoor spacesHardwood floors, historic details
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Ranch architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and outdoor spaces, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Tennessee is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Tennessee is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Tennessee has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 4% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to North Carolina's $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 2.95% more affordable than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Tennessee

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Earthquakes
Air QualityGood-FairGood-Variable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85-65Β°F87-66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50-30Β°F49-29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"53"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4-8"5-12"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 3% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and earthquakes in Tennessee.
  • The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 2 degrees warmer than North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are NaN degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 3 more inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Tennessee

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$67,481$65,254
Cost of Living Index95.8588.9
State Income Tax5.25%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax6.75%7%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, HealthcareAutomotive, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceComfortableModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessManageableNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 3% less than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to comfortable in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is higher in Tennessee compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in North Carolina and noticeable in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Tennessee

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
Political Make-upSwing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican supportLean heavily Republican
Local PoliticsVaries significantly between urban and rural areasConsistently conservative across most counties
ReligionProtestant Christian majority, significant Catholic and non-religious populationsProtestant Christian majority, with a strong presence of Evangelical Protestants
  • North Carolina tends to lean swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican support in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as leaning heavily Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as a Protestant Christian majority, with a strong presence of Evangelical Protestants
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant Christian majority, with significant Catholic and non-religious populations

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Tennessee

ComparisonNorth CarolinaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville)
Davis Drive Elementary School (Cary)
Lipscomb Elementary School (Brentwood)
Percy Priest Elementary School (Nashville)
New Hope Elementary School (McDonald)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Davis Drive Middle School (Cary)
Carnage Middle School (Raleigh)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)
Top 3 High SchoolsPhillips Academy (Greensboro)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
East Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill)
Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCarolina Day School (Asheville)
Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Ensworth School (Nashville)
Knoxville Catholic High School (Knoxville)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Wake County Public School System
Williamson County Schools
Oak Ridge City Schools
Maryville City Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 554 miles from North Carolina 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,517300 ft3$5.06
1 Bedroom$2,252450 ft3$5.01
2 Bedrooms$3,716750 ft3$4.96
3 Bedrooms$5,3961100 ft3$4.91
4 Bedrooms$7,7681600 ft3$4.86
5+ Bedrooms$8,6491800 ft3$4.81

Top North Carolina to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Tennessee

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details