Movers

Tennessee to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 703 mile interstate move from Tennessee to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs cooler summer temperatures), food & health (like Barbecue vs Half-smoke), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs victorian, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Half-smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 95% more expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in DC is 42.73% more expensive than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Tennessee to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to DC

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Humid summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Less diverse food scene
ProsDC iconDC
  • Cooler summer temperatures
  • Extensive metro system
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • International cuisine options

DC iconDC
  • More expensive overall
  • Fast-paced environment
  • Less outdoor space
  • More transient city vibes
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Slower pace of life
  • Scenic nature spots
  • Tight-knit community

Pros of moving from Tennessee to DC

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to cooler summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to DC with an extensive metro system
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Tennessee for a vibrant cultural scene in DC
  • Get ready for international cuisine options in DC

Cons of moving from Tennessee to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Tennessee to live with a more expensive overall cost in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a slower pace of life and have to settle for the con of a fast-paced environment
  • Time to bid farewell to scenic nature spots and get used to less outdoor space in DC
  • Swap a tight-knit community for more transient city vibes

Tennessee vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeDC
Most iconic local food itemBarbecueHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemBarbecue NachosFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Ethiopian Cuisine
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Loveless Cafe
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Rendezvous
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
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 Tennessee to DC, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue of Tennessee for the equally delicious Half-smoke of DC. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Barbecue Nachos, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Truck 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 Vegan Ethiopian Cuisine of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like The Loveless Cafe, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and Rendezvous. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and DC

ComparisonTennesseeDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchVictorian, Federal
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 listingLarge yards, privacyClose to metro, vibrant neighborhoods
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro and vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; DC is more walkable than Tennessee.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; DC is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • DC housing costs are 95% more expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in DC is 42.73% more expensive than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeDC
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsSevere Storms, Winter storms
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6987/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49/3047/29
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5040
Annual Snowfall (Inches)515.4
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to DC. DC gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • DC 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 severe storms and winter storms in DC.
  • The average summer high temperature in DC is 2 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC, as it receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and DC

ComparisonTennesseeDC
Avg. Household Income$65,254$101,027
Cost of Living Index88.9140.1
State Income Tax04
Avg. Property Tax0.640.55
Avg. Sales Tax9.556
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, AgricultureGovernment, Education, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 55% more than in Tennessee
  • The COLI in DC will be 58% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to DC, you'll now have a state income tax of 4
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is low in DC compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Tennessee and moderate in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. DC

ComparisonTennesseeDC
Political Make-upConservative/Republican leaningLiberal/Democrat leaning
Local PoliticsState-wide Republicans controlDominated by Democrats
ReligionProtestant majorityLess religiously affiliated, diverse faiths
  • Tennessee tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democrat leaning
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated and diverse faiths
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to DC

ComparisonTennesseeDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLinden Elementary School (Oak Ridge)
Lipscomb Elementary School (Brentwood)
Percy Priest Elementary School (Nashville)
Basis DC
Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan
Eaton Elementary School
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
West End Middle School (Nashville)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)
Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Alice Deal Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsHume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
School Without Walls High School
McKinley Technology High School
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
Georgetown Preparatory School
Sidwell Friends School
Gonzaga College High School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBaylor School (Chattanooga)
Webb School of Knoxville
University School of Nashville
Sidwell Friends School
National Cathedral School
Maret School
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Germantown Municipal Schools
Maryville City Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools

How Much Do Tennessee to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 703 miles from Tennessee to DC 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,601300 ft3$5.34
1 Bedroom$2,379450 ft3$5.29
2 Bedrooms$3,928750 ft3$5.24
3 Bedrooms$5,7051100 ft3$5.19
4 Bedrooms$8,2191600 ft3$5.14
5+ Bedrooms$9,1561800 ft3$5.09

Top Tennessee to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details