Best Movers From Michigan to Tennessee (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from Michigan to Tennessee, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,241 to
$5,398, roughly
$1,840 for a container move, and close to
$830
for a rental truck.
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$1,180 — $5,398 Top local mover
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$1,180 — $7,918 Top long-distance mover
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$725 — $3,086 Top container company
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$464 — $1,341 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Michigan to Tennessee
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from Michigan to Tennessee.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Michigan to Tennessee
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
4 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 11, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Tennessee?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,180 – $3,681 | $725 – $1,786 | $464 – $923 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,241 – $5,398 | $1,203 – $2,478 | $532 – $1,129 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,031 – $7,918 | $1,628 – $3,086 | $632 – $1,341 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,180 – $3,681
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,241 – $5,398
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,031 – $7,918
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to Tennessee?
- Small move: $725 – $1,786
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,203 – $2,478
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,628 – $3,086
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $464 – $923
- 2–3 bedrooms: $532 – $1,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $632 – $1,341
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 699-mile move from MI to TN using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from MI to TN?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 9.55% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Tennessee?
Rent is about the same in Michigan and Tennessee.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $1,047
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 30% higher in Tennessee than in Michigan.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $319,208
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in Tennessee than in Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $64,035
Is the overall cost of living higher in Tennessee?
The cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Tennessee.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 59% higher in Tennessee than in Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 9.55%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Tennessee has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Tennessee compared to Michigan?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Tennessee | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,126,489 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 19.98 |
Will Tennessee feel more crowded than Michigan?
Tennessee is about 29% less populous than Michigan — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Michigan and Tennessee voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Tennessee is hotter on average (88°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Tennessee is milder on average (27°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Tennessee?
Rain: Tennessee gets more rain (53″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Tennessee gets less snow (5 inches vs. 64 inches).
Is Tennessee safer than Michigan?
Tennessee has a higher crime index than Michigan (29.24 vs. 19.98). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Tennessee?
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Michigan to Tennessee move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Tennessee moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Tennessee, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage at no extra cost. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Tennessee?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Tennessee moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Tennessee?
No moving permit is required in Tennessee.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include basic insurance at no extra cost. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
Some movers in Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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