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Tennessee to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 1,987 mile interstate move from Tennessee to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dryer climate), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (traditional, colonial vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes, politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in Idaho is 3.91% more affordable than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

Tennessee to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Idaho

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • High humidity
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Severe allergies
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Dryer climate
  • Less crowded roads
  • Lower taxes
  • Abundant nature trails
  • Cleaner air

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited restaurant variety
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller towns
  • Fewer historical sites
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lively music scene
  • Diverse food options
  • Warmer winters
  • Established community
  • Historic landmarks

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a dryer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Idaho with less crowded roads
  • Swap the higher taxes of Tennessee for lower taxes in Idaho
  • Get ready for abundant nature trails in Idaho

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lively music scene in Tennessee to live with fewer cultural events in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse food options and have to settle for the con of limited restaurant variety
  • Time to bid farewell to warmer winters and get used to colder winters in Idaho
  • Swap an established community for smaller towns

Tennessee vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeIdaho
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenTrout
Most popular street food itemBBQ NachosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitLentil Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Central BBQ
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • The Peabody Memphis
  • Boonies Restaurant & Saloon
  • The Baxter's
  • Capello's
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 Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous BBQ Nachos, Idaho residents know they have tasty Trout 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 Lentil Burger of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like Central BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and The Peabody Memphis. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boonies Restaurant and Saloon, The Baxter's, and Capello's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Idaho

ComparisonTennesseeIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, ColonialCraftsman, Ranch
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, nearby parksMountain views, open spaces
  • The Traditional and Colonial architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and nearby parks, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and open spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Tennessee.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Idaho is less bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • Idaho housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased 69% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in Idaho is 3.91% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeIdaho
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, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89Β°F / 67Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 30Β°F36Β°F / 19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)53"20"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"60"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to Idaho. Idaho gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Tennessee.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 4 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 33 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Idaho

ComparisonTennesseeIdaho
Political Make-upGenerally leans RepublicanPredominantly Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by county; urban areas more DemocraticRural with strong Republican leanings
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a strong Baptist presenceChristianity dominant, with a significant Mormon population
  • Tennessee tends to lean generally Republican in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly Republican
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with a significant Mormon population
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with a strong Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Idaho

ComparisonTennesseeIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLakeland Elementary School (Lakeland)
Discovery School (Murfreesboro)
Walton Ferry Elementary (Hendersonville)
Longfellow Elementary School (Boise)
Adams Elementary School (Boise)
Roosevelt Elementary (Boise)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
McFadden School of Excellence (Murfreesboro)
West End Middle School (Nashville)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Heritage Middle School (Meridian)
Lakeside Middle School (Plummer)
Top 3 High SchoolsHume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Boise High School (Boise)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene High School (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWebb School (Knoxville)
Franklin Road Academy (Nashville)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
North Idaho Christian School (Hayden)
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Kingsport City Schools
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do Tennessee to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,987 miles from Tennessee to Idaho 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.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,329300 ft3$7.76
1 Bedroom$3,471450 ft3$7.71
2 Bedrooms$5,747750 ft3$7.66
3 Bedrooms$8,3751100 ft3$7.61
4 Bedrooms$12,1011600 ft3$7.56
5+ Bedrooms$13,5241800 ft3$7.51

Top Tennessee to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details

Nashville to Idaho

Memphis to Idaho

Knoxville to Idaho

    Chattanooga to Idaho

      Clarksville to Idaho