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Tennessee to New Jersey Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 878 mile interstate move from Tennessee to New Jersey? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs New Jersey across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs mild summer climate), food & health (like BBQ Ribs vs Tomato Pie), real estate & housing (traditional, colonial vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Tomato Pie & Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
  • New Jersey housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in New Jersey is 45.83% more expensive than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to New Jersey will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to New Jersey movers is Big G Movers, INC

Tennessee to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to New Jersey

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Hot summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Rural areas
  • Fewer cultural events
ProsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Mild summer climate
  • Comprehensive public transit
  • Proximity to cities
  • Rich cultural scene

New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher cost of living
  • Compact living spaces
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Heavy congestion
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Low cost of living
  • Spacious living
  • Southern hospitality
  • Moderate traffic

Pros of moving from Tennessee to New Jersey

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a mild summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to New Jersey with comprehensive public transit
  • Swap the rural areas of Tennessee for proximity to cities in New Jersey
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in New Jersey

Cons of moving from Tennessee to New Jersey

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Tennessee to live with a higher cost of living in New Jersey
  • You'll lose out on the pro of spacious living and have to settle for the con of compact living spaces
  • Time to bid farewell to southern hospitality and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in New Jersey
  • Swap moderate traffic for heavy congestion

Tennessee vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsTomato Pie
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenTaylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBBQ NachosPork Roll Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodBBQ TofuVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Loveless Cafe
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Rendezvous
  • Rat's Restaurant
  • Hoagie Haven
  • White Manna
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 New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Tomato Pie of New Jersey. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous BBQ Nachos, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich and Pork Roll Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Tofu they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pizza of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like Rat's Restaurant, Hoagie Haven, and White Manna.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and New Jersey

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, ColonialColonial, Victorian
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, garagesProximity to public transportation, updated kitchens
  • The Traditional and Colonial architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of New Jersey.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features such as proximity to public transportation and updated kitchens.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than Tennessee.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • New Jersey has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • New Jersey housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in New Jersey is 45.83% more expensive than in Tennessee.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Tennessee and New Jersey

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
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, FloodsHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityModerateModerate to Poor
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6885/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49/3040/25
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5447
Annual Snowfall (Inches)523
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 0% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • New Jersey has higher 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is 4 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and New Jersey

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
Avg. Household Income$65,254$96,346
Cost of Living Index88.9129.7
State Income Tax0%5.525%
Avg. Property Tax0.74%2.21%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%6.625%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailFinance, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 48% more than those in Tennessee
  • The COLI in New Jersey will be 46% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to NJ, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.525%
  • The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Tennessee and moderate in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. New Jersey

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
Political Make-upConservative, leans RepublicanLiberal, leans Democratic
Local PoliticsLocal governance varies, with strong Republican support in rural areasDiverse, with Democratic strength in urban areas and mixed in suburbs
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly Evangelical ProtestantDiverse, with a mix of Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant communities
  • Tennessee tends to lean conservative and leans Republican in its political climate
  • New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as liberal and leans Democratic
  • New Jersey's religious environment can be described as diverse with a mix of Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant communities
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to New Jersey

ComparisonTennesseeNew Jersey
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLipscomb Elementary - Brentwood
Lakeland Elementary School - Lakeland
Scales Elementary School - Brentwood
Littlebrook Elementary School - Princeton
Princeton Charter School - Princeton
Waldorf School of Princeton - Princeton
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School - Brentwood
Robertsville Middle School - Oak Ridge
Signal Mountain Middle/High School - Signal Mountain
Thomas Grover Middle School - West Windsor
Community Middle School - Plainsboro
Princeton Charter School - Princeton
Top 3 High SchoolsCentral Magnet School - Murfreesboro
Hume-Fogg Academic High School - Nashville
Brentwood High School - Brentwood
High Technology High School - Lincroft
Bergen County Academies - Hackensack
Princeton High School - Princeton
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School - Chattanooga
Montgomery Bell Academy - Nashville
Harpeth Hall School - Nashville
The Lawrenceville School - Lawrenceville
The Pingry School - Basking Ridge
Newark Academy - Livingston
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWebb School - Bell Buckle
University School of Nashville - Nashville
St. George's Independent School - Collierville
The Lawrenceville School - Lawrenceville
The Pingry School - Basking Ridge
Dwight-Englewood School - Englewood
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge School District
Princeton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

How Much Do Tennessee to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 878 miles from Tennessee to New Jersey will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,700300 ft3$5.67
1 Bedroom$2,528450 ft3$5.62
2 Bedrooms$4,176750 ft3$5.57
3 Bedrooms$6,0691100 ft3$5.52
4 Bedrooms$8,7481600 ft3$5.47
5+ Bedrooms$9,7511800 ft3$5.42

Top Tennessee to New Jersey Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to New Jersey

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details