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Tennessee to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,117 mile interstate move from Tennessee to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot humid summers vs cooler, milder summers), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch, craftsman vs colonial, victorian, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 93% more expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 51.02% more expensive than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to Massachusetts will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Tennessee to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Massachusetts

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Hot humid summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Severe tornado threats
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cooler, milder summers
  • Extensive train systems
  • Robust tech industry
  • Reduced tornado hazards

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Higher cost of living
  • Harsh, snowy winters
  • Diverse culinary options
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Low cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Familiar comfort food
  • Southern hospitality

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to hot humid summers and hello to cooler milder summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Massachusetts with extensive train systems
  • Swap the fewer tech jobs of Tennessee for a robust tech industry in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for reduced tornado hazards in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Tennessee to live with a higher cost of living in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh snowy winters
  • Time to bid farewell to familiar comfort food and get used to diverse culinary options in Massachusetts
  • Swap southern hospitality for a fast-paced lifestyle

Tennessee vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemBBQ NachosCodfish Balls
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Clam Chowder
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
  • Arnold's Country Kitchen
  • Central BBQ
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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous BBQ Nachos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Codfish Balls 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 Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Arnold's Country Kitchen, and Central BBQ. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Neptune Oyster, and Union Square Donuts.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Massachusetts

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Ranch, CraftsmanColonial, Victorian, Cape Cod
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, scenic viewsProximity to public transit, historic charm
  • The Colonial, Ranch, and Craftsman architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Victorian, and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and scenic views, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Tennessee.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 93% more expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 51.02% more expensive than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
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, FloodsBlizzards, Nor'easters
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6982/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49/3037/22
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5047
Annual Snowfall (Inches)548
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 4% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • Massachusetts has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Tennessee.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 7 degrees colder than Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and Massachusetts

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$65,254$94,488
Cost of Living Index88.9121.55
State Income Tax0%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.68%1.23%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, AgricultureHealthcare, Education, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNoticeableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 45% more than in Tennessee
  • The COLI in Massachusetts will be 37% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to MA, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Tennessee and concerning in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Democrat
Local PoliticsConservative dominance in local governanceLiberal dominance in local governance
ReligionHigher evangelical Christian populationHigher Catholic population, increased diversity of faiths
  • Tennessee tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democrat
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as having a higher Catholic population and increased diversity of faiths
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher evangelical Christian population

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Massachusetts

ComparisonTennesseeMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Middle Tennessee State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLipscomb Elementary - Brentwood
Walton Ferry Elementary - Hendersonville
New Hope Elementary - Hendersonville
Joseph E. Fiske Elementary - Wellesley
Maria Hastings Elementary - Lexington
Schofield Elementary - Wellesley
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMeigs Academic Magnet - Nashville
Brentwood Middle - Brentwood
Page Middle - Franklin
William Diamond Middle - Lexington
Jonas Clarke Middle - Lexington
Wellesley Middle - Wellesley
Top 3 High SchoolsHume-Fogg Academic - Nashville
Central Magnet - Murfreesboro
Brentwood High - Brentwood
Boston Latin School - Boston
Lexington High - Lexington
Wellesley High - Wellesley
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School - Chattanooga
McCallie School - Chattanooga
Montgomery Bell Academy - Nashville
Phillips Academy - Andover
Noble and Greenough School - Dedham
Groton School - Groton
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBaylor School - Chattanooga
Ensworth School - Nashville
University School of Nashville - Nashville
Phillips Academy - Andover
Milton Academy - Milton
Noble and Greenough School - Dedham
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Kingsport City Schools
Weston Public Schools
Lexington Public Schools
Wayland Public Schools

How Much Do Tennessee to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 1,117 miles from Tennessee to Massachusetts 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,836300 ft3$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,731450 ft3$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,514750 ft3$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5661100 ft3$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4711600 ft3$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5641800 ft3$5.87

Top Tennessee to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details

Knoxville to Massachusetts

Chattanooga to Massachusetts

Clarksville to Massachusetts