Movers

Tennessee to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 700 mile interstate move from Tennessee to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high summer humidity vs cooler summer temperatures), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 25.63% more affordable than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Tennessee to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • High summer humidity
  • Higher incidence of tornadoes
  • Limited winter activities
  • Higher sales tax
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Cooler summer temperatures
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • Abundant winter sports
  • Lower sales tax

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Less musical diversity
  • Different culinary scene
  • Colder community interactions
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Mild winters
  • Rich musical heritage
  • Southern cuisine
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to high summer humidity and hello to cooler summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher incidence of tornadoes and moving to Wisconsin with fewer tornadoes
  • Swap the limited winter activities of Tennessee for abundant winter sports in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for a lower sales tax in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in Tennessee to live with harsh winters in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich musical heritage and have to settle with the con of less musical diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to southern cuisine and get used to a different culinary scene in Wisconsin
  • Swap friendly communities for colder community interactions

Tennessee vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenBratwurst
Most popular street food itemBBQ NachosBratwurst in a bun
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitBeer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
  • Hattie B's
  • Mader's
  • The Old Fashioned
  • CafΓ© Caribe
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous BBQ Nachos, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Bratwurst in a bun 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 Beer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version) of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, and Hattie B's. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, The Old Fashioned, and CafΓ© Caribe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Wisconsin

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, 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, scenic viewsLakeside properties, energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and scenic views, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Tennessee.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 25.63% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
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, cold waves
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6782/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49/3029/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5432
Annual Snowfall (Inches)548
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 9% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • Wisconsin 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 blizzards and cold waves in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 7 degrees colder than Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and Wisconsin

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$65,254$70,996
Cost of Living Index88.995.65
State Income Tax0%3.54%-7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.71%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%5.43%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, EnergyManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 9% more than those in Tennessee
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 8% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.54% to 7.65%
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to noticeable poverty in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Tennessee and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeSwing State, Leans Democratic
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in State GovernmentPolitical Mix with Democratic Major Cities
ReligionHighly Religious, Predominantly ChristianModerately Religious, Diverse Religious Communities
  • Tennessee tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that leans Democratic
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as moderately religious with diverse religious communities
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Wisconsin

ComparisonTennesseeWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLockeland Elementary Design Center (Nashville)
Percy Priest Elementary (Nashville)
Jefferson Elementary School (Jefferson City)
Randall Consolidated School (Burlington)
Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton)
Swallow School (Hartland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
West End Middle School (Nashville)
Page Middle School (Franklin)
Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Whitefish Bay Middle School (Whitefish Bay)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Top 3 High SchoolsHume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Middleton High School (Middleton)
Eau Claire Memorial High School (Eau Claire)
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School (Chattanooga)
The McCallie School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHarding Academy (Nashville)
The Webb School (Bell Buckle)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Franklin Special School District
Maryville City Schools
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Whitefish Bay School District

How Much Do Tennessee to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 700 miles from Tennessee to Wisconsin 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,599300 ft3$5.33
1 Bedroom$2,376450 ft3$5.28
2 Bedrooms$3,923750 ft3$5.23
3 Bedrooms$5,6991100 ft3$5.18
4 Bedrooms$8,2101600 ft3$5.13
5+ Bedrooms$9,1461800 ft3$5.08

Top Tennessee to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details

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