Tennessee to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 21, 2025

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
- Hot humid summers
- Limited public transit
- Fewer tech jobs
- Severe tornado threats
- Cooler, milder summers
- Extensive train systems
- Robust tech industry
- Reduced tornado hazards
- Higher cost of living
- Harsh, snowy winters
- Diverse culinary options
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- 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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue Ribs | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Hot Chicken | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | BBQ Nachos | Codfish Balls |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegan Clam Chowder |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch, Craftsman | Colonial, Victorian, Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, scenic views | Proximity 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 Tennesseeβs $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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 89/69 | 82/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 49/30 | 37/22 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50 | 47 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5 | 48 |
- 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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $65,254 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 88.9 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.68% | 1.23% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.55% | 6.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Healthcare, Education, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Concerning |
- 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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Lean Democrat |
Local Politics | Conservative dominance in local governance | Liberal dominance in local governance |
Religion | Higher evangelical Christian population | Higher 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
Comparison | Tennessee | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Lipscomb 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 Schools | Meigs Academic Magnet - Nashville Brentwood Middle - Brentwood Page Middle - Franklin | William Diamond Middle - Lexington Jonas Clarke Middle - Lexington Wellesley Middle - Wellesley |
Top 3 High Schools | Hume-Fogg Academic - Nashville Central Magnet - Murfreesboro Brentwood High - Brentwood | Boston Latin School - Boston Lexington High - Lexington Wellesley High - Wellesley |
Top 3 private high schools | Baylor 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 schools | Baylor School - Chattanooga Ensworth School - Nashville University School of Nashville - Nashville | Phillips Academy - Andover Milton Academy - Milton Noble and Greenough School - Dedham |
Top 3 School Districts | Williamson 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,836 | 300 ft3 | $6.12 |
1 Bedroom | $2,731 | 450 ft3 | $6.07 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,514 | 750 ft3 | $6.02 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,566 | 1100 ft3 | $5.97 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,471 | 1600 ft3 | $5.92 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,564 | 1800 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.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Tennessee to Massachusetts