New York to Tennessee Moving Guide
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Updated August 20, 2025
Planning a 1,037 mile interstate move from New York to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in New York vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Bagels vs BBQ Ribs), real estate & housing (modern, pre-war vs traditional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Bagels and Pastrami on Rye, but get your taste buds ready for BBQ Ribs & Hot Chicken
- Tennessee housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in New York
- Rent in Tennessee is 32.72% more affordable than New York
- Moving from New York to Tennessee will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended New York to Tennessee movers is JP Urban Moving

Top New York to Tennessee Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best New York to Tennessee movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

JP Urban Moving
Best moving company overall for New York to Tennessee

Metropolis Moving

Flex Moving and Storage
New York to Tennessee Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Tennessee
- High cost of living
- Sky-high rent
- State income tax
- Congested traffic
- Long commutes
- Harsh, snowy winters
- Limited living space
- Noise and crowds
- Parking headaches
- Aging infrastructure
- Stressful fast pace
- Expensive childcare
- Higher utility costs
- Limited backyard space
- Urban light pollution
- Crowded parks
- Tight pet policies
- Lower cost of living
- Affordable housing
- No state income tax
- Easier driving
- Shorter commutes
- Milder winters
- More living space
- Quieter neighborhoods
- Easier parking
- Newer developments
- Slower pace of life
- Cheaper childcare
- Lower utility costs
- Yards and patios
- Darker night skies
- Abundant nature access
- Pet-friendlier rentals
- Limited transit options
- Lower wage averages
- Smaller museum scene
- Fewer dining options
- Early closing hours
- Smaller networks
- Car-dependent living
- Fewer direct flights
- Fewer specialists
- Fewer elite programs
- Limited theater options
- Fewer tech hubs
- Fewer major events
- Slower service pace
- Narrower job market
- Fewer urban parks
- Extensive public transit
- Higher average salaries
- World-class museums
- Top dining variety
- 24/7 conveniences
- Dense professional network
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Global flight connections
- Specialized healthcare access
- Renowned universities
- Broadway and theater
- Robust tech sector
- Frequent cultural events
- Faster service delivery
- Extensive job opportunities
- Iconic parks and trails
Pros of moving from New York to Tennessee
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
- Look forward to moving away from sky-high rent and moving to Tennessee with affordable housing
- Swap the state income tax of New York for no state income tax in Tennessee
- Get ready for easier driving in Tennessee
Cons of moving from New York to Tennessee
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the extensive public transit in New York to live with limited transit options in Tennessee
- You'll lose out on the pro of higher average salaries and have to settle for the con of lower wage averages
- Time to bid farewell to world-class museums and get used to the smaller museum scene in Tennessee
- Swap the top dining variety for fewer dining options
New York vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | New York | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Bagels | BBQ Ribs |
Most popular meat dish | Pastrami on Rye | Hot Chicken |
Most popular street food item | Pretzels | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | 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 New York to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic bagels of New York for the equally delicious BBQ ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful pastrami on rye and sumptuous pretzels, Tennessee residents know they have tasty hot chicken and pulled pork sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast 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 York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Peter Luger Steak House. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Corky's BBQ, and Chez Philippe.
When comparing lifestyles, Tennessee shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New York. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Tennessee compared to what you are used to in New York. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Tennessee.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Tennessee
Comparison | New York | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Pre-war | Traditional, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transportation, views | Spacious lots, scenic views |
- The Modern and Pre-war architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
- Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transportation and views, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and scenic views.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than New York.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than New York.
- Tennessee has less of an urban feel than New York.
- Tennessee housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to New Yorkβs $460,812.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased 63% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
- Rent in Tennessee is 32.72% more affordable than New York.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and Tennessee
Comparison | New York | 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, Blizzards | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 62Β°F | 89Β°F / 67Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 38Β°F / 26Β°F | 49Β°F / 30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 49.9 | 53.7 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 25.3 | 5.2 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 8% fewer sunshine days than New York.
- Tennessee has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, 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 7 degrees warmer than New York.
- The average winter lows in Tennessee are 4 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 3.8 more inches of rain compared to New York.
Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Tennessee
Comparison | New York | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $79,557 | $65,254 |
Cost of Living Index | 102.8 | 88.9 |
State Income Tax | 4% to 8.82% | 0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.4% | 0.64% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.52% | 9.55% |
Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Media | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Affluence | Affluent | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
Homelessness | Notable | Less notable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 18% less than those in New York
- The COLI in Tennessee will be 14% lower than what you are used to living in New York
- Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
- The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to the affluence in New York
- The poverty level is higher in Tennessee compared to the moderate poverty level in New York
- In terms of homelessness, it is notable in New York and less notable in Tennessee
Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Tennessee
Comparison | New York | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Predominantly Democratic | Predominantly Republican |
Local Politics | Strong Urban Influence | Strong Rural Influence |
Religion | Diverse Religious Beliefs | Predominantly Christian |
- New York tends to lean predominantly Democratic in its political climate
- Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly Republican
- Tennessee's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
- New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse religious beliefs
Education Guide When Moving from New York to Tennessee
Comparison | New York | Tennessee |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | 1. New York University (New York City) 2. Columbia University (New York City) 3. Cornell University (Ithaca) | 1. University of Tennessee (Knoxville) 2. Vanderbilt University (Nashville) 3. Belmont University (Nashville) |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | 1. P.S. 321 William Penn (Brooklyn) 2. Anderson School (New York City) 3. P.S. 6 Lillie D. Blake (New York City) | 1. Kenrose Elementary School (Brentwood) 2. Clovercroft Elementary (Franklin) 3. Scales Elementary School (Brentwood) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | 1. Basis Independent Brooklyn (Brooklyn) 2. The Anderson School (New York City) 3. Booker T. Washington Middle School (New York City) | 1. Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood) 2. Woodland Middle School (Brentwood) 3. Hillsboro School (Leiper's Fork) |
Top 3 High School Schools | 1. Stuyvesant High School (New York City) 2. Bronx High School of Science (New York City) 3. Townsend Harris High School (Queens) | 1. Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville) 2. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School (Nashville) 3. Franklin High School (Franklin) |
Top 3 private high schools | 1. Trinity School (New York City) 2. Horace Mann School (Bronx) 3. Dalton School (New York City) | 1. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville) 2. Harpeth Hall School (Nashville) 3. St. George's Independent School (Memphis) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | 1. Dalton School (New York City) 2. Horace Mann School (Bronx) 3. Riverdale Country School (Bronx) | 1. Ensworth School (Nashville) 2. St. Andrew's-Sewanee School (Sewanee) 3. University School of Nashville (Nashville) |
Top 3 School Districts | 1. Jericho Union Free School District 2. Great Neck Public Schools 3. Scarsdale Union Free School District | 1. Williamson County Schools 2. Maryville City Schools 3. Oak Ridge Schools |
How Much Do New York to Tennessee Movers Cost?
Moving 1,037 miles from New York to Tennessee will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,790 | 300 ft3 | $5.97 |
1 Bedroom | $2,663 | 450 ft3 | $5.92 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,401 | 750 ft3 | $5.87 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,400 | 1100 ft3 | $5.82 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,229 | 1600 ft3 | $5.77 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,292 | 1800 ft3 | $5.72 |