Factors affecting the cost of moving from TN to FLtoggle

There are many factors that influence Tennessee moving costs. The cost to move from Tennessee to Florida 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 Tennessee 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 TN to FL

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

Cost of living: Tennessee vs. Florida

Tennessee Florida
Average rent cost $1,047 $1,444
Average home cost $319,208 $392,176
Average income (per capita) $64,035 $67,917
Cost of Living Index 0 102
Unemployment rate 3.3% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 9.55% 7.08%
State Income Tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 38% more expensive in Florida than in Tennessee.
  • Home prices are about 23% higher in Florida than in Tennessee.
  • The average income is about 6% higher in Florida than in Tennessee.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Florida than in Tennessee.
  • Florida has a lower unemployment rate than Tennessee by about 12%.
  • Sales taxes are 26% lower in Florida than in Tennessee.
  • Florida has no income tax.

How life is different in Florida vs. Tennessee

Florida Tennessee
Population 22,610,726 7,126,489
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Republican 64-36
Summer high 91ºF 88ºF
Winter low 49ºF 27ºF
Annual rain 55" 53"
Annual snow 0" 5"
Crime index 21.39 29.24
  • The population of Florida is approximately 217% greater than the population of Tennessee.
  • In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Tennessee voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF and in Tennessee, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF and Tennessee gets down to 27ºF.
  • You can expect about 55 inches of annual rainfall in Florida versus 53 inches of rainfall in Tennessee.
  • In Florida, it snows about 0 inches annually versus 5 inches of snow in Tennessee.
  • Florida has a lower crime rate than Tennessee with a crime index of 21.39 vs. 29.24.

Comparing the pros of Tennessee vs. Florida

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Florida compared to Tennessee.

Pros of living in Tennessee Pros of living in Florida
Abundant recreational opportunities Fantastic weather
No income taxes Abundant water recreational activities
Legendary music scene Ample economic opportunity
Natural beauty and parks galore World-leading entertainment
Delicious southern comfort food Beautiful flora and fauna

Comparing the cons of living in Tennessee vs. Florida

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 Tennessee for Florida.

Cons of living in Tennessee Cons of living in Florida
Tendency for severe weather High cost of living
Oppressive summer heat and humidity Poor healthcare
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants Natural disasters
Traffic congestion Heat and humidity
High urban crime rates High crime rate

Other things to consider for your Tennessee to Florida movetoggle

  • Weather: Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
  • 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Florida 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 Florida. 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. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Floridatoggle

While you’re in Florida, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Studios Orlando
  • South Beach
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Key West
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Castillo de San Marcos
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Everglades National Park
  • Amelia Island
  • Daytona 500 International Speedway
  • Duval Street in Key West
  • Salvador Dalí Museum
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • National Naval Aviation Museum
  • Discovery Cove
  • Coral Castle
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • WonderWorks Orlando

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Tennessee to Florida?toggle

Hiring a full-service Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Florida?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 Tennessee to Florida separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Tennessee to Florida?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Tennessee to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Florida?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Tennessee than in Florida. Housing is more affordable in Tennessee, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 19% lower than in Florida.

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

You should make approximately $59,498 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Florida. The cost of living in Florida is approximately $2,900 per month for an individual and $7,028 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Florida you live For example, larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources