New Jersey to Tennessee Moving Guide
Updated June 18, 2025

Planning a 892 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Jersey Tomato Pie vs Memphis Barbecue), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs traditional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Jersey Tomato Pie and Taylor Ham/Pork Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Memphis Barbecue & Hot Chicken
- Tennessee housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
- Rent in Tennessee is 31.43% more affordable than in New Jersey
- Moving from New Jersey to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended New Jersey to Tennessee movers is Big G Movers, INC
New Jersey to Tennessee Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Tennessee
- High Cost of Living
- Cold Winters
- Dense Traffic
- Limited Space
- Higher Taxes
- Lower Cost of Living
- Mild Winters
- Smoother Commute
- More Open Space
- No State Income Tax
- Further from Major Cities
- No Ocean Beaches
- Fewer Cuisine Options
- Less Historical Architecture
- Close to NYC
- Beach Access
- Diverse Dining
- Rich History
Pros of moving from New Jersey to Tennessee
- Say goodbye to high cost of living and hello to lower cost of living
- Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to Tennessee with mild winters
- Swap the dense traffic of New Jersey for smoother commute in Tennessee
- Get ready for more open space in Tennessee
Cons of moving from New Jersey to Tennessee
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close to NYC in New Jersey to live with further from major cities in Tennessee
- You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle with the con of no ocean beaches
- Time to bid farewell to diverse dining and get used to fewer cuisine options in Tennessee
- Swap rich history for less historical architecture
New Jersey vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | New Jersey | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Jersey Tomato Pie | Memphis Barbecue |
Most popular meat dish | Taylor Ham/Pork Roll | Hot Chicken |
Most popular street food item | Italian Hot Dogs | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Vegetarian Sloppy Joe | BBQ Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 New Jersey to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Jersey Tomato Pie of New Jersey for the equally delicious Memphis Barbecue of Tennessee. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Taylor Ham/Pork Roll and sumptuous Italian Hot Dogs, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Sloppy Joe 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 New Jersey eateries like Frank's Deli, Razza Pizza Artigianale, and Don's Deli. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, Prince's Hot Chicken, and Loveless Cafe.
When comparing lifestyles, Tennessee shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New Jersey. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Tennessee compared to what you are used to in New Jersey. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Tennessee.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Tennessee
Comparison | New Jersey | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Traditional, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to NYC, Public Transit | Large Lots, Scenic Views |
- The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
- Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and public transit, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and scenic views.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than New Jersey.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
- Tennessee has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
- Tennessee housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to New Jerseyβs $512,908.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
- Rent in Tennessee is 31.43% more affordable than in New Jersey.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Tennessee
Comparison | New Jersey | 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, Nor'easters | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85/66 | 88/68 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 40/25 | 49/30 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47 | 54 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 23 | 5 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from New Jersey to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 0% more sunshine days than New Jersey.
- Tennessee has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
- The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 3 degrees warmer than in New Jersey.
- The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in New Jersey.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 7 more inches of rain compared to New Jersey.
Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Tennessee
Comparison | New Jersey | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $96,346 | $65,254 |
Cost of Living Index | 129.7 | 88.9 |
State Income Tax | 5.53% | 0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.13% | 0.64% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.63% | 9.55% |
Top 3 Industries | Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Information Technology | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | High |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 32% less than in New Jersey
- The COLI in Tennessee will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
- Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
- The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
- The poverty level is high in Tennessee compared to moderate in New Jersey
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Tennessee
Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Tennessee
Comparison | New Jersey | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Republican |
Local Politics | Highly diverse with significant urban influence | Conservative with strong rural influence |
Religion | Mix of Catholic and Protestant, with significant Jewish and Muslim communities | Primarily Evangelical Christian, with smaller Catholic and Protestant communities |
- New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
- Tennessee's religious environment can be described as primarily Evangelical Christian, with smaller Catholic and Protestant communities
- New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Catholic and Protestant, with significant Jewish and Muslim communities
Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Tennessee
Comparison | New Jersey | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Rutgers University The College of New Jersey Montclair State University | University of Tennessee Vanderbilt University Tennessee State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton) Princeton Charter School (Princeton) Central Jersey College Prep Charter School (Somerset) | Linden Elementary School (Oak Ridge) John P. Freeman Optional School (Memphis) Clovercroft Elementary School (Franklin) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Princeton Charter School (Princeton) Mendham Township Middle School (Mendham) Thomas R. Grover Middle School (Princeton Junction) | Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood) Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (Nashville) Sunset Middle School (Brentwood) |
Top 3 High Schools | High Technology High School (Lincroft) Biotechnology High School (Freehold) McNair Academic High School (Jersey City) | Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (Nashville) Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro) Brentwood High School (Brentwood) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville) The Pingry School (Basking Ridge) Newark Academy (Livingston) | Baylor School (Chattanooga) Harpeth Hall School (Nashville) Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Newark Academy (Livingston) Princeton Day School (Princeton) The Pingry School (Basking Ridge) | Baylor School (Chattanooga) Ensworth School (Nashville) McCallie School (Chattanooga) |
Top 3 School Districts | Princeton Public Schools Millburn Township Schools Summit Public Schools | Oak Ridge School District Williamson County Schools Maryville City Schools |
How Much Do New Jersey to Tennessee Movers Cost?
Moving 892 miles from New Jersey to Tennessee will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,708 | 300 ft3 | $5.69 |
1 Bedroom | $2,540 | 450 ft3 | $5.64 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,195 | 750 ft3 | $5.59 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,098 | 1100 ft3 | $5.54 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,790 | 1600 ft3 | $5.49 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,799 | 1800 ft3 | $5.44 |
Top New Jersey to Tennessee Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best New Jersey to Tennessee movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Big G Movers, INC
Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Tennessee