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Pennsylvania to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 816 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch colonial vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Scrapple, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Tennessee is 13.29% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Tennessee movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High taxes
  • Cold winters
  • Dense traffic
  • Higher cost of living
  • Older infrastructure
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower taxes
  • Mild winters
  • Less congestion
  • Affordable living
  • Newer developments

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Less historic sites
  • Limited school options
  • Humid summers
  • Less urban amenities
  • Less cultural diversity
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Top-tier schools
  • Four seasons
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse culture

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to Tennessee with mild winters
  • Swap the dense traffic of Pennsylvania for less congestion in Tennessee
  • Get ready for affordable living in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historic sites in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of top-tier schools and have to settle for the con of limited school options
  • Time to bid farewell to four seasons and get used to humid summers in Tennessee
  • Swap vibrant city life for fewer urban amenities

Pennsylvania vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishScrappleHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemPretzelsPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakBBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
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 Pennsylvania to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Scrapple 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 Mushroom Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Arnold's Country Kitchen, Prince's Hot Chicken, and The Rendezvous.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Tennessee

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Dutch ColonialVictorian, Craftsman
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 listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsOpen floor plans, large backyards
  • The Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and large backyards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 13.29% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
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 DisastersSnowstorms, FloodingTornadoes, Flooding
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6289/68
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2049/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4253
Annual Snowfall (Inches)385
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 16% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Tennessee has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and flooding in Tennessee.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 4 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Tennessee

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$71,798$65,254
Cost of Living Index99.788.9
State Income Tax3.07%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationManufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 9% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 11% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is high in Tennessee compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and low in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Tennessee

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
Political Make-upSwing state with a mix of Democratic and RepublicanStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsUrban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean RepublicanRepublican, with urban exceptions like Nashville and Memphis
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, heavily Evangelical
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian and heavily Evangelical
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAlbert M. Greenfield School (Philadelphia)
Pittsburgh Liberty K-5 (Pittsburgh)
Ad Prima Charter School (Philadelphia)
Lockeland Elementary Design Center (Nashville)
New Hope Christian Academy (Memphis)
Franklin Elementary School (Franklin)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School (Nashville)
Top 3 High SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (Nashville)
MLK Jr. Magnet- Pearl High School (Nashville)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Harding Academy (Nashville)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Williamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge School District

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 816 miles from Pennsylvania 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,665300 ft3$5.55
1 Bedroom$2,475450 ft3$5.50
2 Bedrooms$4,088750 ft3$5.45
3 Bedrooms$5,9401100 ft3$5.40
4 Bedrooms$8,5611600 ft3$5.35
5+ Bedrooms$9,5411800 ft3$5.30

Top Pennsylvania to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Tennessee

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details