Moving to Tennessee? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Tennessee is a landlocked state located in the southeastern United States. Home to Nashville, the beating heart of America’s country music scene, Tennessee is known for its musical heritage that can pull visitors from all over the world.

If you are considering moving to Tennessee, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Tennessee Facts:

Population: 6.9 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $50,000+ (2023)
Random Fact: Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues. The city of Memphis played a significant role in the development of this influential genre of music, with legendary musicians like B.B. King, W.C. Handy, and Elvis Presley making their mark on the city’s musical history.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Tennessee

From State	Approx. Moving Cost
California	$2500
Florida	$2000
New York	$2300
Texas	$2200
Illinois	$2100
Ohio	$1800
Georgia	$1600
North Carolina	$1700
Michigan	$1900
New Jersey	$2200

This table lists the state of origin along with the estimated moving cost in US dollars to Tennessee. These costs are approximate and can vary based on several factors, including the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

You can also find the Best International Moving Companies in Tennessee here.

2. Tennessee Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Tennessee can vary depending on the location, with downtown areas generally having higher prices compared to uptown or suburban areas. For example, in downtown Nashville, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment can range from around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while in suburban areas like Franklin, house purchase prices can range from $300,000 to over $1 million for a typical single-family home.

Monthly Rental Prices in Tennessee

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $2,100+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,550+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,800+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,400+

Tennessee Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $4,490+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,600+

Tennessee Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Tennessee compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 22.2% more expensive
New York is 46.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 23.4% more expensive
Toronto is 9.6% cheaper
Sydney is 8.7% more expensive
Paris is 29.9% cheaper
Dubai is 10.2% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates, roomies.
Different Areas – Different Prices: In downtown Nashville, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment can range from approximately $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Similarly, downtown Memphis offers a diverse range of rental options, with prices averaging around $1,200 to $2,000 per month. In contrast, suburban areas like Franklin and Murfreesboro provide more affordable house purchase prices, with typical single-family homes ranging from $300,000 to $500,000.

3. Tennessee Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Tennessee embraces a vibrant food and drink scene, with a focus on Southern cuisine and local flavours. The state is known for its barbecue, where smoked meats like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket takes centre stage, often accompanied by classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans. Tennessee is famous for its distinctive style of hot chicken—a spicy fried chicken dish with a fiery kick—originating from Nashville and gaining popularity across the country.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $19.50
Takeout Coffee: $5.20
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $1.00
Loaf of Bread: $3.90
12 Eggs: $4.30
1kg Chicken: $15.60
1kg Beef: $16.40
1kg Apples: $6.15
1kg White Rice: $5.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 17.9% more expensive and groceries are 34.4% cheaper than Tennessee.
New York restaurants are 20% more expensive and groceries are 20.1% more expensive than Tennessee.
Los Angeles restaurants are 18.5% more expensive and groceries are 1.1% cheaper than Tennessee.
Toronto restaurants are 7.9% cheaper and groceries are 15.4% cheaper than Tennessee.
Sydney restaurants are 1.5% cheaper and groceries are 4.3% cheaper than Tennessee.
Paris restaurants are 8.5% cheaper and groceries are 4.9% cheaper than Tennessee.
Dubai restaurants are 13.7% cheaper and groceries are 63.6% cheaper than Tennessee.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Tennessee boasts a variety of farmers’ markets that showcase fresh produce, artisanal products, and local crafts. Cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are known for their bustling farmers’ markets, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans. Affordable chain supermarkets like Kroger, Walmart, and Aldi can also be found throughout the state, providing budget-friendly grocery shopping.
Find Cheap Eats: Tennessee has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Tennessee Alcohol Costs

Tennessee, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $1.90
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.40
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $5.60
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $7.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00

How To Drink For Less in Tennessee

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Nashville Guru for Happy Hour times.

5. Tennessee Transportation Fares

Major cities like Nashville and Memphis have public transportation systems that include buses and some light rail services, providing options for commuting and getting around within the city. Outside of these urban areas, public transportation options may be more limited, and personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation for residents in suburban and rural parts of the state.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.25
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $65.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Tennessee likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Tennessee

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Tennessee has an average yearly temperature ranging from approximately 13°C (55°F) in the eastern part of the state to around 16°C (61°F) in the western part. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 11°C (32°F to 52°F), while the hottest month is July, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). The wettest month in Tennessee is typically March, with increased rainfall across the state.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $50.00
Summer Dress: $38.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $90.00
Business Shoes: $115.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.50
Gym Membership: $60.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $15.50

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Tennessee

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Tennessee. If you’re moving to Tennessee from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Tennessee:

Volkswagen Golf: $28,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.87

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Tennessee

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Tennessee

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

In Tennessee, the state sales tax rate is currently 7%. However, local taxes can range from 1.5% to 2.75%, resulting in a combined sales tax rate that can reach up to 9.75% in some areas.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Tennessee at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Tennessee you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Tennessee

If you do make the move to Tennessee, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $220
New York: $20
Los Angeles: $70
Toronto: $85
Vancouver: $110
Dubai: $520
Sydney: $1,250
Melbourne: $600
Cape Town: $680
Hong Kong: $1,100

Other Tips on Moving to Tennessee

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Tennessee but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Tennessee Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Tennessee.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Tennessee always has something going on. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

12. Moving to Tennessee with a Family

Tennessee is generally considered a family-friendly location with a range of amenities, attractions, and a welcoming community. The state offers family-oriented activities, excellent school systems, and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities that can appeal to families.

Regarding crime rate, it is essential to note that crime rates can vary across different cities and neighbourhoods within Tennessee. While the state does have some areas with higher crime rates, there are also many safe communities.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Tennova Healthcare.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Tennessee offers several family-friendly areas to live in, but one notable location is Franklin. Located just south of Nashville, Franklin is known for its excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a strong sense of community. Franklin’s combination of quality schools, family-oriented amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for families looking to settle in Tennessee.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Tennessee. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Tennessee for Work

While it is possible to move to Tennessee without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Tennessee include manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and logistics, agriculture, and tourism. The state is home to major manufacturing operations, particularly in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, contributing significantly to its economy. The current unemployment rate in Tennessee is around 4.8%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Tennessee, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Tennessee from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Tennessee, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The combined size of Kimberley and Arnhem Land is similar to the size of Tennessee.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Tennessee that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Tennessee from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Tennessee. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Combining Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick gives an area similar in size to Tennessee.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Tennessee from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Tennessee. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The entire size of England is just slightly larger than that of Tennessee.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Tennessee, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Tennessee you can start by comparing moving quotes here.