How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to TN move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 115 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Tennessee?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from North Carolina 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 |
$1,008 – $2,988 |
$671 – $1,553 |
$441 – $764 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,824 – $4,865 |
$1,139 – $2,441 |
$461 – $963 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,279 – $7,230 |
$1,678 – $2,877 |
$592 – $1,173 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 565-mile move from NC 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 North Carolina to Tennessee
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Tennessee typically costs between
$1,008 and
$2,988.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,824
and $4,865
when moving from NC to TN.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Carolina to Tennessee,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,279
up to $7,230.
Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Tennessee
If you’re relocating from North Carolina to Tennessee,
you’ll typically spend between $671
and $1,553 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,139 up to
$2,441.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,678 and
$2,877. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina 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
$441 and
$764.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$461 to
$963.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $592 and
$1,173.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to TN
Several factors can influence your moving costs from North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 NC to TN
Transitioning from North Carolina 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: North Carolina vs. Tennessee
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between North Carolina and Tennessee are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
North Carolina |
Tennessee |
| Average rent |
$1,093 |
$1,047 |
| Average home cost |
$328,715 |
$319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,186 |
$64,035 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.7% |
3.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.98% |
9.55% |
| State income tax |
4.5% |
0.0% |
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Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Tennessee from North Carolina with rent being about the same in each state.
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Home prices in Tennessee and North Carolina are pretty similar, so you won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or better place.
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There’s no need to worry about your budget, since average incomes are about the same in both North Carolina and Tennessee.
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Moving to Tennessee costs about 6% less than living in North Carolina. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 11% lower than North Carolina, Tennessee offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax in Tennessee runs 37% higher than in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Tennessee vs. North Carolina
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 North Carolina compare.
|
Tennessee |
North Carolina |
| Population |
7,126,489 |
10,835,491 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64-36 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
27ºF |
29ºF |
| Annual rain |
53″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
5″ |
4″ |
| Crime index |
29.24 |
24.69 |
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With a population roughly 34% smaller than North Carolina, 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 North Carolina and Tennessee siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Tennessee is 88°F, while North Carolina averages 88°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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During the coldest months, Tennessee averages 27°F while North Carolina sees lows of 29°F.
With temperatures so close, you can expect a smooth transition between climates.
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In Tennessee, you’ll experience about 53 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 48 inches you’re used to in North Carolina.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
-
In Tennessee, you can expect about 5 inches of snow each year.
By comparison, North Carolina typically gets around 4 inches annually.
Since both states see similar snowfall, your move shouldn’t come with unexpected weather challenges.
-
Tennessee has a higher crime rate than North Carolina, with a crime index of 29.24 compared to 24.69.
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 North Carolina vs. Tennessee
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Tennessee to North Carolina:
| Pros of living in North Carolina |
Pros of living in Tennessee |
| Great communities |
Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
No income taxes |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Legendary music scene |
| High quality of life |
Natural beauty and parks galore |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Delicious southern comfort food |
Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Tennessee
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from North Carolina to Tennessee:
| Cons of living in North Carolina |
Cons of living in Tennessee |
| Hurricanes |
Tendency for severe weather |
| Bland weather |
Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
| High crime rate |
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
| High tax burden |
Traffic congestion |
| Poor education |
High urban crime rates |
Other things to consider for your North Carolina 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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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 North Carolina to Tennessee?
Do movers transport your car from North Carolina 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
North Carolina to
Tennessee
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to Tennessee?
Many people are making the move from North Carolina 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 North Carolina or Tennessee?
Living in Tennessee usually costs less than in North Carolina.
Housing
is much more affordable in Tennessee,
with average rent about 4% less and home prices 3% lower than in North Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Tennessee, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in North Carolina:
1 movers offer AAA member savings;
5 provide military discounts;
2 have senior-discount programs;
1 advertise educator discounts;
2 extend special rates to law enforcement.
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
North Carolina moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
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When relocating from North Carolina to Tennessee, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,824 to
$4,865, roughly
$1,790 for a container move, and close to
$712
for a rental truck.
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