Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to TNtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND to TN

If you’re moving to Tennessee from North Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Tennessee

North Dakota Tennessee
Average rent cost $912 $1,047
Average home cost $263,410 $319,208
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $64,035
Cost of Living Index 96 0
Unemployment rate 2.4% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 9.55%
State Income Tax 2.9% 0.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 15% more expensive in Tennessee than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 21% higher in Tennessee than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in Tennessee than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 100% lower in Tennessee than in North Dakota.
  • Tennessee has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 38%.
  • Sales taxes are 37% higher in Tennessee than in North Dakota.
  • Tennessee has no income tax.

How life is different in Tennessee vs. North Dakota

Tennessee North Dakota
Population 7,126,489 783,926
Political leaning Republican 64-36 Republican 68-32
Summer high 88ºF 82ºF
Winter low 27ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 53" 19"
Annual snow 5" 39"
Crime index 29.24 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Tennessee is approximately 809% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Tennessee voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Tennessee is 88ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Tennessee reaches the temperature of 27ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 53 inches of annual rainfall in Tennessee versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Tennessee, it snows about 5 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Tennessee has a higher crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 29.24 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Tennessee
Ample economic opportunity Abundant recreational opportunities
Peaceful rural life No income taxes
Affordable living costs Legendary music scene
High-quality education opportunities Natural beauty and parks galore
Open rural spaces Delicious southern comfort food

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota 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 North Dakota for Tennessee.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Tennessee
Long and cold winters Tendency for severe weather
Lack of diversity Oppressive summer heat and humidity
Housing shortages Abundant presence of nuclear power plants
Small populations Traffic congestion
Relaxed lifestyle High urban crime rates

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Tennessee movetoggle

  • 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 Tennesseetoggle

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
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Tennessee?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Tennessee?toggle

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 Dakota to Tennessee separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to Tennessee?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota 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 North Dakota or Tennessee?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in Tennessee. Housing is more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 13% less and home prices 18% lower than in Tennessee. Tennessee has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Tennessee?toggle

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.

Helpful moving resources

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