Tennessee to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to California

ConsTennessee

• High humidity
• Limited job market
• Few direct flights
• Mediocre public transport
• Fewer cultural events

ProsCalifornia

• Lower humidity
• Robust tech industry
• Major airports access
• Extensive transit systems
• Rich cultural diversity

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California

• High cost of living
• Less greenery
• Competitive environment
• Competitive arts scene
• Frenetic lifestyle

Tennessee

• Lower cost of living
• Abundant green spaces
• Friendly communities
• Strong music scene
• Slower pace of life

Pros of moving from Tennessee to California

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to lower humidity
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to California with a robust tech industry
• Swap the few direct flights of Tennessee for major airport access in California
• Get ready for extensive transit systems in California

Cons of moving from Tennessee to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Tennessee to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of abundant green spaces and have to settle for the con of less greenery
• Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to a competitive environment in California
• Swap a strong music scene for a competitive arts scene

Tennessee vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Tennessee to California, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like The Rendezvous, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, and Loveless Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Gjelina, and n/naka.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and California

• The Traditional and Colonial architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly features and proximity to amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Tennessee.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
• California has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
• California housing costs are 147% more expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
• Rent in California is 62.17% more expensive than in Tennessee.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Tennessee to California. California gets 37% more sunshine days than Tennessee.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Tennessee.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 4 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
• The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in Tennessee.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 28 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 40% more than in Tennessee
• The COLI in California will be 53% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
• The state income tax in CA is 1% to 13.3% compared to no state income tax in TN
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Tennessee
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Tennessee
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Tennessee and significant in California

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. California

• Tennessee tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as a more diverse religious landscape with lower overall religiosity
• Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to California

How Much Do Tennessee to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,164 miles from Tennessee to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.