Moving to Tennessee: costs, checklist and what to know
Tennessee at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Nashville · capital Nashville · Eastern in the east, Central in Middle and West Tennessee time.
Quick facts for moving to Tennessee
- Income tax: Tennessee does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
- Sales tax: Tennessee's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Nashville (about 260 road miles) runs roughly $510–$1,010 with a rental truck or $1,820–$4,240 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Tennessee
- Tennessee doesn't tax wages or investment income, but its 7% state sales tax plus local taxes gives it some of the highest combined sales tax rates in the U.S.
- Nashville is the largest city; Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga are the other major metros.
- East Tennessee is on Eastern time, while Nashville and Memphis are on Central time.
Main cities and metros include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville. Tennessee borders Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri.
How much does it cost to move to Tennessee?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Nashville, the largest city in Tennessee. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 910 | $1,480–$2,840 | $2,860–$6,580 |
| Los Angeles | 2,130 | $3,040–$5,740 | $4,810–$10,970 |
| Chicago | 480 | $890–$1,730 | $2,170–$5,030 |
| Dallas | 740 | $1,160–$2,220 | $2,580–$5,960 |
| Atlanta | 260 | $510–$1,010 | $1,820–$4,240 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Tennessee moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Tennessee
Spring and fall. Summers are humid, and spring storms bring tornadoes, especially in Middle and West Tennessee.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Tennessee new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Tennessee: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Tennessee?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 260 miles from Atlanta to Nashville costs roughly $510–$1,010 if you rent a truck or $1,820–$4,240 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
What is the sales tax in Tennessee?
Tennessee's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Tennessee driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Tennessee?
Spring and fall. Summers are humid, and spring storms bring tornadoes, especially in Middle and West Tennessee.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.