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Virginia to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 555 mile interstate move from Virginia to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Memphis BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and Country Ham and Biscuits, but get your taste buds ready for Memphis BBQ & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Tennessee is 8.15% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Tennessee movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Tennessee

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Busy urban centers
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher taxes
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Milder winters
  • Quieter towns
  • Less traffic
  • Lower taxes

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Less historic sites
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Far from D.C.
  • Fewer renowned universities
  • Smaller job market
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • Proximity to D.C.
  • Famed universities
  • Growing job market

Pros of moving from Virginia to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Tennessee with milder winters
  • Swap the busy urban centers of Virginia for the quieter towns in Tennessee
  • Get ready for less traffic in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Virginia to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historic sites in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to the proximity to D.C. and get used to being far from D.C. in Tennessee
  • Swap the famed universities for fewer renowned universities

Virginia vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamMemphis BBQ
Most popular meat dishCountry Ham and BiscuitsHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemOystersBBQ Nachos
Most popular vegan foodVegan BBQ JackfruitVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Leaping Lizard CafΓ©
  • Husk Richmond
  • Central BBQ
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • City House
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 Virginia to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Memphis BBQ of Tennessee. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and Biscuits and sumptuous Oysters, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and BBQ Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Leaping Lizard CafΓ©, and Husk Richmond. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Central BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and City House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Tennessee

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodVictorian, Craftsman
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 listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsLarge yards, open floor plans
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than Virginia.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 8.15% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6589/68
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/2749/29
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4450
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10-205-10
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 1% more sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Tennessee has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 4 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Tennessee

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$85,873$65,254
Cost of Living Index96.688.9
State Income Tax5.75%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%7%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Government, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessManageableNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 24% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is average compared to moderate in Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to low in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Virginia and noticeable in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Tennessee

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
Political Make-upModerately liberal/competitiveConservative stronghold
Local PoliticsVaries significantly from urban to rural areasGenerally conservative across the state
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religions presentPrimarily Christian, with a strong evangelical presence
  • Virginia tends to lean moderately liberal and competitive in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as a conservative stronghold
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong evangelical presence
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominant Christianity with diverse religions present

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Tennessee

ComparisonVirginiaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee Technological University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary
Vienna; Nottingham Elementary
Arlington
Lockeland Elementary Design Center
Nashville; Johnson Elementary School
Franklin; New Hope Elementary
Hendersonville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Frost Middle School
Fairfax; Henley Middle School
Crozet
Brentwood Middle School
Brentwood; Meigs Academic Magnet School
Nashville; Houston Middle School
Germantown
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; Langley High School
McLean; McLean High School
McLean
Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School
Nashville; Central Magnet School
Murfreesboro; Brentwood High School
Brentwood
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Madeira School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Baylor School
Chattanooga; Montgomery Bell Academy
Nashville; University School of Nashville
Nashville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFlint Hill School
Oakton; Collegiate School
Richmond; Potomac School
McLean
Baylor School
Chattanooga; University School of Nashville
Nashville; Evangelical Christian School
Cordova
Top 3 School DistrictsFalls Church City Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Williamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge School District

How Much Do Virginia to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 555 miles from Virginia to Tennessee 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,517300 ft3$5.06
1 Bedroom$2,253450 ft3$5.01
2 Bedrooms$3,718750 ft3$4.96
3 Bedrooms$5,3981100 ft3$4.91
4 Bedrooms$7,7711600 ft3$4.86
5+ Bedrooms$8,6531800 ft3$4.81

Top Virginia to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Tennessee

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Matthew's Nationwide Moving featured image

Matthew's Nationwide Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details