Movers

Wisconsin to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 702 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Tennessee is 34.46% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Tennessee movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Tennessee

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Costly living expenses
  • Flat landscape
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Mild winters
  • No state income tax
  • Lower cost of living
  • Scenic mountains

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Limited large lakes
  • Fewer local specialties
  • Fewer local farms
  • Smaller fair scene
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Abundant lakes
  • Well-known cheese
  • Thriving farm-to-table scene
  • Iconic festivals

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Tennessee with no state income tax
  • Swap the costly living expenses of Wisconsin for a lower cost of living in Tennessee
  • Get ready for scenic mountains in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from abundant lakes in Wisconsin to live with limited large lakes in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of well-known cheese and have to settle for the con of fewer local specialties
  • Time to bid farewell to a thriving farm-to-table scene and get used to fewer local farms in Tennessee
  • Swap iconic festivals for a smaller fair scene

Wisconsin vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishBratwurstHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Fromagination
  • LeRoy's
  • Mader's
  • Loveless Cafe
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
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 Wisconsin to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like Fromagination, LeRoy's, and Mader's. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Loveless Cafe, Prince's Hot Chicken, and Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Tennessee

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanColonial and 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 listingLakeside views, outdoor spacesMountain views, historic homes
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and outdoor spaces, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and historic homes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 34.46% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
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 DisastersBlizzards, Cold WavesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 59Β°F89Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 10% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and cold waves in Wisconsin, 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 7 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 16 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Tennessee

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
Avg. Household Income$70,996$65,254
Cost of Living Index95.6588.9
State Income Tax4.0%0.0%
Avg. Property Tax1.7%0.7%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%9.5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureHealthcare, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceStableImproving
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 8% less than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is improving compared to stable in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is higher in Tennessee compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and moderate in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Tennessee

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
Political Make-upBattleground state with mixed support for Democratic and Republican partiesStrong Republican support, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsMix of liberal cities like Madison and conservative rural areasConservative governance, with cities like Nashville and Memphis being more liberal
ReligionChristian predominance, with a significant Catholic populationChristian predominance, with a stronger emphasis on Evangelical Protestantism
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a battleground state with mixed support for the Democratic and Republican parties in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as having strong Republican support, especially in rural areas
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as having Christian predominance with a stronger emphasis on Evangelical Protestantism
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having Christian predominance with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Tennessee

ComparisonWisconsinTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse
University of Tennessee
Knoxville
Vanderbilt University
Nashville
Belmont University
Nashville
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School
Madison
Elmwood Elementary
Elmwood
Richmond School
Sussex
Lockeland Design Center
Nashville
New Hope Christian Academy
Memphis
Meigs Magnet School
Nashville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWright Middle School
Madison
Lake Shore Middle
Mequon
Whitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay
Meigs Magnet Middle School
Nashville
Brentwood Middle School
Brentwood
Valor Flagship Academy
Nashville
Top 3 High SchoolsEast High Schoo,l Madison
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay
Cedarburg High
Cedarburg
Hume-Fogg Academic High School
Nashville
Central Magnet School
Murfreesboro
Franklin High School
Franklin
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Madison Country Day School
Madison
Baylor School
Chattanooga
Montgomery Bell Academy
Nashville
Ensworth School
Nashville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity Lake School
Hartland
St. John's Northwestern Military Academy
Delafield
Wayland Academy
Beaver Dam
The Webb School
Bell Buckle
Franklin Road Academy
Nashville
Christian Academy of Knoxville
Knoxville
Top 3 School DistrictsMequon-Thiensville School District
Mequon
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Elmbrook School District
Brookfield
Williamson County Schools
Franklin
Oak Ridge School District
Oak Ridge
Maryville City Schools
Maryville

How Much Do Wisconsin to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 702 miles from Wisconsin 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,600300 ft3$5.33
1 Bedroom$2,378450 ft3$5.28
2 Bedrooms$3,926750 ft3$5.23
3 Bedrooms$5,7031100 ft3$5.18
4 Bedrooms$8,2161600 ft3$5.13
5+ Bedrooms$9,1531800 ft3$5.08

Top Wisconsin to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Tennessee

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