Planning your move to the Volunteer State? You’re not alone! More than 77,513 people are moving to Tennessee annually, pushing the state’s population to over 7.2 million in 2024.
Companies are also relocating to TN. The Volunteer State witnessed 50% growth in new businesses, indicating a strong economy and a robust job market. Tennessee’s cost of living is $3,539/mo, and the $0 state income tax appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to TN:
| # | Reasons to Move to TN | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | Tennessee's living costs are 11% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | TN employs over 3.3 million people across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, etc |
| 3. | Education | The Volunteer State serves over 1 million students across 142 school districts. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tennessee is 11% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in Tennessee:
| Metro | Home Price | Home Renting/mo | Public Transport/mo | Utilities/mo | Food/mo |
| Nashville | $455,000 | $1,665 | $128 | $162.62 | $651 |
| Memphis | $173,500 | $1,023 | $71.2 | $226.54 | $554 |
| Knoxville | $322,500 | $1,301 | $53 | $204.07 | $552 |
| Chattanooga | $326,000 | $1,251 | $62.4 | $162.62 | $561 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Tennessee’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Volunteer State employs over 3.3M employees in 2024.
- Manufacturing: Tennessee has established itself as a major hub for automotive production. Companies like Nissan, General Motors, and Volkswagen have headquarters in the state. This sector has created 134,000 jobs.
- Technology: The tech sector is growing rapidly. Over 206,000 people work in areas like cybersecurity, software development, and data science. Major employers include Asurion and i3 Verticals. The average salary in this sector is over $75,000 a year.
- Healthcare: This is Tennessee’s largest industry, employing nearly 469,000 people. It includes hospitals, outpatient services, and nursing care. Renowned names like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare lead the sector.
- Logistics and Distribution: Tennessee’s central location makes it a logistics hub. Companies such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are top employers. The average wage in this sector is about $50,000.
3. Education and Schools
Tennessee serves over 1 million students across 142 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: Tennessee has over 1,800 public schools, offering a variety of programs to support student achievement. Metro Nashville Public Schools and Shelby County Schools are renowned for their Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment programs to prepare students for college.
- Magnet and Charter Schools: TN has over 114 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Some of the top schools are STEM Preparatory Academy and Liberty Collegiate Academy.
- Private Schools: Tennessee is home to over 570 private schools which are known for their academic excellence and personalized attention. The average tuition for private K-12 education in AZ is $11,643. Notable private schools include Baylor School and Montgomery Bell Academy.
- Higher Education: Tennessee is home to several renowned institutions of higher education. The University of Tennessee (UT) system and Tennessee State University (TSU) are two notable public universities. Additionally, Vanderbilt University in Nashville is consistently ranked among the top private universities in the U.S.
Cost of Moving to Tennessee 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to TN:
1. Moving Costs ~ $438 and $4,069
Moving to Tennessee involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Tennessee movers typically cost $124 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Tennessee.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Tennessee.
- When relocating to Tennessee, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in TN is around $431/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Tennessee. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in TN is $29. A standard title transfer costs around $20.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Volunteer State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Nashville, Franklin, and Jackson the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Tennessee, home prices vary across the state. In cities like Nashville, the median home price is $386K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Memphis is $174K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Tennessee ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to TN, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Tennessee neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
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