Best overall value
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to TN
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Tennessee will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from CA to TN
If you’re moving to Tennessee from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Tennessee
| California | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,035 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 0 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 9.55% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 44% less expensive in Tennessee than in California.
- Home prices are about 59% lower in Tennessee than in California.
- The average income is about 30% lower in Tennessee than in California.
- Cost of living is 100% lower in Tennessee than in California.
- Tennessee has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 39%.
- Sales taxes are 10% higher in Tennessee than in California.
- Tennessee has no income tax.
How life is different in Tennessee vs. California
| Tennessee | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,126,489 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 7" |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 28.43 |
- The population of Tennessee is approximately 82% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Tennessee voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Tennessee is 88ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Tennessee reaches the temperature of 27ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 53 inches of annual rainfall in Tennessee versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Tennessee, it snows about 5 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
- Tennessee has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 29.24 vs. 28.43.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Tennessee
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Tennessee compared to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Pleasant weather | No income taxes |
| Abundant recreational options | Legendary music scene |
| High quality of life | Natural beauty and parks galore |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Delicious southern comfort food |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Tennessee
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Tennessee.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Tennessee |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Tendency for severe weather |
| Heavy tax burdens | Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
| Natural disasters | Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
| Terrible traffic | Traffic congestion |
| Strange laws | High urban crime rates |
Other things to consider for your California to Tennessee move
- Weather: Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Tennessee. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Tennessee
While you’re in Tennessee, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Elvis Presley's Graceland
- Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Museum
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Dollywood
- The Hermitage: President Andrew Jackson's Home
- Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Titanic Museum
- Ruby Falls
- Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area
- The Parthenon
- American Museum of Science and Energy
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Lookout Mountain
- Beale Street
- The Lost Sea Adventure
- Bell Witch Cave
- Ryman Auditorium
- Crystal Shrine Grotto
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Tennessee?
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from California to Tennessee?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Tennessee separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Tennessee?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Tennessee are the amazing upsides of living in Tennessee such as abundant recreational opportunities and no income taxes.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Tennessee?
It is generally cheaper to live in Tennessee than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Tennessee, with average rent about 44% less and home prices 58.6% lower than in California. Tennessee has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Tennessee?
You should make approximately $63,555 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Tennessee. The cost of living in Tennessee is approximately $2,475 per month for an individual and $6,425 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Tennessee you live For example, larger cities like Nashville and Memphis will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
