How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to TN move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 84 Michigan moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Tennessee?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Michigan to Tennessee.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| 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 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 699-mile move from MI to
TN using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Tennessee
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Tennessee typically costs between
$1,180 and
$3,681.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,241
and $5,398
when moving from MI to TN.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Michigan to Tennessee,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,031
up to $7,918.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Tennessee
If you’re relocating from Michigan to Tennessee,
you’ll typically spend between $725
and $1,786 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,203 up to
$2,478.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,628 and
$3,086. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$464 and
$923.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$532 to
$1,129.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $632 and
$1,341.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to TN
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Michigan to Tennessee. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Michigan, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from MI to TN
Transitioning from Michigan to Tennessee gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Tennessee
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Michigan and Tennessee are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
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% |
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Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Tennessee from Michigan with rent being about the same in each state.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Tennessee are roughly 30% higher than in Michigan.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Tennessee are roughly 7% lower than in Michigan.
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With a similar cost of living in both Michigan and Tennessee, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 30% lower than Michigan, Tennessee offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax in Tennessee runs 59% higher than in Michigan, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Tennessee has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Michigan. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Tennessee vs. Michigan
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Tennessee and Michigan compare.
|
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 |
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With a population roughly 29% smaller than Michigan, Tennessee gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses.
Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
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The last presidential election saw both Michigan and Tennessee siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Tennessee is 88°F compared to 81°F in Michigan.
A hotter climate brings more sunshine and outdoor opportunities, but be prepared for higher cooling bills and a warmer adjustment period.
-
In winter, Tennessee drops only to 27°F, milder than 14°F in Michigan.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
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Get ready for about 53 inches of rain each year in Tennessee.
That’s quite a change from the 34 inches you’re used to back in Michigan. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
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In Tennessee, it only snows about 5 inches annually while Michigan gets 64 inches.
Moving to Tennessee, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
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Tennessee has a higher crime rate than Michigan, with a crime index of 29.24 compared to 19.98.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Tennessee
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Tennessee to Michigan:
| Pros of living in Michigan |
Pros of living in Tennessee |
| Scenic beauty |
Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Good higher education |
No income taxes |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Legendary music scene |
| Low cost of living |
Natural beauty and parks galore |
| Beautiful lakes |
Delicious southern comfort food |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Tennessee
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Michigan to Tennessee:
| Cons of living in Michigan |
Cons of living in Tennessee |
| Cold snowy winters |
Tendency for severe weather |
| Spotty economic opportunity |
Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
| Poor transportation infrastructure |
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
| Expensive education |
Traffic congestion |
| Thick accents |
High urban crime rates |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Tennessee moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Tennessee, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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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.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” 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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Tennessee
Get excited to explore Tennessee. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Tennessee?
Do movers transport your car from Michigan 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
Michigan to
Tennessee
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Tennessee?
Many people are making the move from Michigan to Tennessee to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Tennessee has to offer, like abundant recreational opportunities and no income taxes.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Tennessee?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Tennessee.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 1% less and home prices 23% lower than in Tennessee.
However, taxes are
lower in Tennessee, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Michigan residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Tennessee?
Planning to move to Tennessee? A single adult should aim for an income of around $64,632 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,636 for an individual, or $6,342 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Nashville and Memphis usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Michigan?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Michigan:
1 movers offer AAA member savings;
6 provide military discounts;
7 have senior-discount programs;
1 list student deals;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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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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