One of the most visited states in the United States in the year 2019, Tennessee is a delight for people who want to live close to National Parks, Amusement Parks, Aquariums, and Museums.
In our Tennessee relocation guide, we will give you a blow-by-blow account of all the surprises awaiting you, should you arrive at a decision regarding relocating to Tennessee. Tennessee also boasts of a deep musical heritage being the home to legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.
Don’t miss our moving to Tennessee pros and cons in this article which covers some of the most pertinent questions everyone moving to Tennessee has in their minds. If you are someone who is deciding where to live in Tennessee or wondering how much would be the cost of living in Tennessee, then you have come to the right place.
Read on and we will assist you in all your queries with the help of recommendations from our experts.
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1. Cost Of Living in Tennessee
Is it expensive to live in Tennessee? Due to its low cost of living, Tennessee is one of the most affordable states to live in. Families and individuals will not be burdened with the burden of tax deductions for their salaries because there will be no income tax. Also, utilities, rent, groceries, and bills are all affordable in the state.
According to worldpopulationreview, Tennessee’s cost of living index is 88.7. It is comparatively lower than the united states index average of 100. Tennessee’s cost of living is lower than it is on average across the United States.
Statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show that in Tennessee cost of living is 10.1% cheaper than nationwide. Tennessee is the 14th least expensive state in terms of the overall cost of living. Ten metropolitan areas are located in Tennessee.
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin is the most expensive metropolitan area in Tennessee, where the cost of living is 5.1% less expensive than the national average and 5.0% higher than the statewide average.
| Tennessee | US | |
| Median Home Value | $158,600.00 | $204,900.00 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $841.00 | $1,023.00 |
| Average Car Insurance | $1,229.00 | $1,517.00 |
| Healthcare cost for Single Adult | $4,925.00 | $4,266.00 |
| Healthcare cost for family of four | $14,855.00 | $12,950.00 |
| Food cost for Single Adult | $3,214.00 | $3,240.00 |
| Food cost for family of four | $9,282.00 | $9,354.00 |
| Annual Child care cost | $7,186.00 | $8,903.00 |
| Annual Taxes | $4,925.00 | $6,542.00 |
2. Job Market in Tennessee
According to U.S. News, Tennessee ranks 13th in the nation for employment. In Tennessee, the average household income is $71,458 While the median household income is $50,972. The most wanted job in Tennessee is Software developer, applications With Average annual salary of $87,630
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, Tennessee’s current unemployment rate in February 2021 was 4.9 %, which is lower than the 6.2% average Unemployment Rate in the United States. It is 7.9x more common for a worker in Tennessee to be an X-Ray Technician (Limited Scope) than all U.S. workers.
The Most Common Jobs in Tennessee
| Rank | Job | Local Jobs | Mean Local Salary | Local Popularity Index |
| 1 | Retail salespersons | 74,960 | $22,130 | 1.0 |
| 2 | Cashiers | 59,400 | $15,516 | 1.0 |
| 3 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 54,740 | $22,455 | 1.4 |
| 4 | Office clerks, general | 47,590 | $22,543 | 0.9 |
| 5 | Team assemblers | 45,880 | $25,160 | 2.5 |
| 6 | General and operations managers | 44,630 | $73,670 | 1.5 |
| 7 | Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer | 44,410 | $32,752 | 1.8 |
| 8 | Customer service representatives | 44,240 | $26,840 | 1.2 |
| 9 | Registered nurses | 44,190 | $48,307 | 1.1 |
| 10 | Waiters and waitresses | 42,110 | $13,946 | 1.1 |
Highest-paying jobs in Tennessee
| Rank | Job Description | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary | # of Employees |
| 1 | Psychiatrists | $206,880 | $61,070 | 350 |
| 2 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $197,540 | $61,850 | 490 |
| 3 | Family Medicine Physicians | $196,590 | $94,740 | 980 |
| 4 | All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $189,160 | $56,610 | 6,790 |
| 5 | General Pediatricians | $174,940 | $47,430 | 1,000 |
| 6 | Nurse Anesthetists | $157,920 | $123,200 | 2,680 |
| 7 | General Dentists | $152,250 | $92,060 | 1,410 |
| 8 | Chief Executives | $138,370 | $25,350 | 8,720 |
| 9 | Other Specialists Dentists | $130,310 | $103,380 | 110 |
| 10 | Orthodontists | $129,390 | $141,100 | 100 |
Largest employer in Tennessee
| # | Employer | City | Number of Employees |
| 1 | HCA Healthcare Inc | Nashville | 35,000 |
| 2 | FedEx Express World Hub | Memphis | 30,000 |
| 3 | Vanderbilt Children’s Neonatal | Nashville | 20,000 |
| 4 | Vanderbilt University Sch-Mdcn | Nashville | 20,000 |
| 5 | Methodist University Hospital | Memphis | 9,602 |
| 6 | Knox County Schools | Knoxville | 8,500 |
| 7 | Claiborne Medical Ctr | Tazewell | 8,400 |
| 8 | Eastman Chemical Co | Kingsport | 8,000 |
| 9 | Erlanger Health System | Chattanooga | 8,000 |
| 10 | Ascension St Thomas Heart | Nashville | 7,000 |
3. Tax Rates in Tennessee
Since there are no taxes on salaries and wages in Volunteer State Tennessee, tax day is a time for celebration. A trip to the mall, on the other hand, may cause you to sing the blues. Tennessee’s state and local sales taxes average 9.55%, the highest rate in the country.
The Tennessee beer tax is $1.29 per gallon, making it one of the nation’s highest. Property taxes aren’t the only thing worrying Tennessee homeowners, which have a 0.64% effective rate, 15th-lowest in the country.
Tennessee income Tax:
The state of Tennessee does not impose income taxes on wages. Consequently, Tennessee income taxes are 0%. For income earned from interest and dividends, however, the tax rate is flat at 1 to 2%.
Tennessee Sales Tax:
Tennessee State is ranked 2 nationwide. In Tennessee, the state sales tax is 7.00% and the average local tax rate is 2.53%.
Tennessee Property Tax:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Tennessee state’s median property tax is $ 1,062 with an effective property tax rate of 0.68 %.
Tennessee Gas Taxs:
Tennessee state has a $0.274 / gallon gasoline tax and $0.284 / gallon diesel tax.
Tennessee Cigarettes Tax:
Tennessee state ranks 43rd out of 50 states in the cigarette tax. In Tennessee, the cigarette tax per pack of 20 is $0.62.
4. Economy in Tennessee
Tennessee is currently ranked 8th for its economic outlook and 9th for economic performance. Tennessee has the 21st highest economic exposure to COVID-19 Tennessee has 1,828,790 employees employed in COVID-19 high-risk sectors, representing 51% of its total employees.
Tennessee has an estimated population of 6,829,174, growing at a rate of 0.9% each year. It ranks 15th out of 50 states in this regard. GSP in Tennessee in 2019 increased by 2.5%, reaching $330.8bn. Tennessee’s GSP ranks 14th in all 50 U.S. states for growth.
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5. Education in Tennessee
According to U.S. News, Tennessee is ranked 33rd overall in the United States education system, 29th for higher education, and 31st for Pre-K-12. Tennessee is ranked 31st for quality of education in public schools among all 50 states by WalletHub. Tennessee schools spend $9,544 per pupil for a total of $9.6 billion annually.
That’s the equivalent of 3.2% of taxpayer income. 64,930 college students graduate annually in Tennessee. The cost of the average community college in Tennessee is $4,270 for In-state tuition and $16,620 for out-of-state tuition. In Tennessee, public university costs $20,304 which is less than the national average of $21,216.
| Rank | 27 |
| State | Tennessee |
| In-State Total | $20,304 |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $10,083 |
| Room & Board | $10,222 |
| Out-Of-State Tuition & Fees | $26,850 |
Top 10 Colleges in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- Sewanee-The University of the South
- Milligan College
- Rhodes College
- Tennessee Technological University
- Bryan College-Dayton
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Middle Tennessee State University
- The University of Tennessee-Martin
- Lipscomb University
7. Healthcare in Tennessee
A top-notch hospital or healthcare facility is within reach throughout the state if healthcare is your top priority. Tennessee also holds some of the country’s best medical professionals. While the Affordable Care Act does not mandate health insurance requirements on a state or federal level, it requires it on a federal level.
In compliance with the ACA (also called Obamacare), Tennessee residents must have health insurance. Those with qualifying events can still enroll in Tennessee’s 2020 health plans or change their coverage despite the end of open enrollment. November 1, 2020, will be the start of open enrollment for 2021.
There are private insurance companies as well as federal exchanges for Tennessee residents to choose from. A basic major medical individual health insurance plan in Tennessee costs an average of $537 per person*. Depending on your health, you might be able to lower your premiums.
Best Hospitals in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- CHI Memorial Hospital
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West
- Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
- University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Jackson-Madison County General Hospital
- Methodist Hospitals of Memphis
- Parkwest Medical Center
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
8. Housing prices in Tennessee
The Nashville housing market continues to be one of the nation’s hottest. Nashville’s real estate market is experiencing healthy demand despite the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. The suburbs have become a popular destination for people in big cities across the nation.
Similar to Seattle, New York, and California, Nashville has seen an influx of buyers. The absence of an income tax and the lack of taxation of earned income are also factors in the increase of out-of-state buyers. The result has been an increase in demand of many folds.
High demand and low inventory led to the rise in home prices in Nashville at a fast pace. Unlike the median home in Newark ($289,358) or the bottom tier home in Washington ($289.328), Nashville’s home has about the same value as either. Within the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area, the median home value is $283,591.
According to homesnacks.com here are the
Most Affordable Places To Live In Tennessee
- Milan
- Lewisburg
- Manchester
- Munford
- Dunlap
- Portland
- Henderson
- Rockwood
- Atoka
- Dyersburg
Most expensive places to live in Tennessee for 2021:
- Athens
- Nashville
- Cookeville
- Sevierville
- Crossville
- Goodlettsville
- Johnson City
- Chattanooga
- Lebanon
- Murfreesboro
9. Public Transportation in Tennessee
Tennessee’s capital is one of six cities in the nation where three interstates intersect. Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile are connected to the city by I-65 in the south and Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago in the north. Memphis, Little Rock, and Oklahoma City are all along I-40, which bisects Nashville from east to west.
It also passes through cities such as Asheville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Little Rock. It provides convenient access from St. Louis, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Chattanooga to the northwest and southeast of the city.
Local residents, as well as tourists, can use Tennessee’s public transit network. Getting to the location of your choice is not a problem thanks to the wide range of services. Public transport options in the state are as follows:
- Jackson Transit Authority
- Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)
- Murfreesboro Rover
- Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)
- Gatlinburg Mass Transit
- Knoxville Area Transit (KAT)
- Cleveland Urban Area Transit System (CUATS)
- Delta Human Resource Agency (DHRA)
10. Moving to Tennessee DMV
How to get a new driver’s license after moving to Tennessee?
As part of your move to Tennessee, you must obtain a new driver’s license because your old one will be invalid. To find out more about getting one, you can visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website. The following tips may also be helpful:
- Locate and schedule an appointment with your nearest driver’s license office.
- Make sure you have the necessary documentation with you, such as a valid U.S. driver’s license, passport, USCIS documentation, and marriage certificate (if married).
- Obtain learner permits,
- Pass eye exam
- Pass written exam
- Provide proof of residency in Tennessee.
- After paying the fee, you will need to obtain a temporary license.
- Several weeks will pass until your new license is picked up or delivered to your home.
11. Weather in Tennessee
Throughout most of Tennessee, the climate is predominantly humid subtropical, while oceanic can also be found on the east coast. As a result of its location in the mountains, the state does not have the same weather conditions as the deep southern states in the country, like having four distinct seasons like autumn, summer, winter, and monsoon.
An impressive view of the state is left by an explosion of orange, red, and yellow colors during autumn here. It’s a really nice time of year to be here. Early October is the best time to experience the beauty of Autumn, and the change in the scenery most likely begins by mid-October.
Most people head to visit the Smoky Mountains during this time of the year, to capture the stunning color display. During the summers, temperatures can climb above 90°F (32.2°C) every day, particularly during the peak season.
Most of the state has freezing temperatures, but the mid-elevations have slightly warmer temperatures than the plains. In spring there are comfortable temperatures with wet weather, but storms pass frequently. The conditions are pleasant, and autumn is a relatively dry time.
Winter weather is unpredictable as tropical air masses clash with polar air during the cold season. The average annual precipitation in Tennessee exceeds 50 inches (1270 mm). A drier period occurs between August and October.
The wettest period is from December to April. Many parts of the state see abundant rainfall during the summer, especially in the mountains.
Weather hazards
A strong thunderstorm, tornado, flood, or hurricane can hit Tennessee during spring and summer. During spring and summer, flooding occurs because of heavy rainfall and the melting of snow. A thunderstorm occurs on average 50 days of the year and occasionally brings large hail and damaging winds.
Does it snow in Nashville, Tennessee? Sadly, only about 10 inches in a year. But one thing to be noted is, snow falls in Tennessee happen only in high-elevated northeastern areas and lower regions due to snow storms.
Typically, fifteen tornadoes strike the state per year, with the majority occurring in the western and middle parts. Hurricanes do not directly impact Tennessee. However, the leftovers of these cyclones can cause significant rainfall.
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12. Things to Do in Tennessee
- Grand Ole Opry
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Sugarlands Distilling Company
- Sun Studio
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Ryman Auditorium
- Market Square
- Foster Falls
- Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
- Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Lookout Mountain
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Forbidden Caverns
- Ijams Nature Center
- Parrot Mountain & Gardens
- Graceland
- Foothills Parkway
- Cherokee National Forest
- Dollywood
Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee
Pros
- Musical Heritage
The state of Tennessee is the place where the country’s music genre actually resides. It offers a well-rounded musical experience and lets you enjoy Blue, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Jazz.
- Literature
This state is suitable for literature lovers. It is the birthplace of some of the famous writers including Alex Haley and James Agee.
- Fairs and Festivals
It hosts several fairs and festivals throughout the year such as CMA Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Slawburger festival, etc.
- Four Seasons
Tennessee is one of the few states in the country that enjoys all four seasons. The autumn colors in this state create a gorgeous backdrop that is absolutely worth watching.
- Modest Cost of Living
The average cost of living index in this state stands at 87.6 which is much lower than the national average. The median housing cost in Tennessee is around $164,500.
- No Income Tax
This is one of the few states in the US where residents are exempted from paying the income tax. Also, it has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.
- Retiring in Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its diversified history, culture, and economy. Tennessee is a retired-friendly state and is also an ideal place to live for young professional students and families.
Cons
- Traffic Congestion
Tennessee is one of the growing states in the country and therefore, it faces heavy traffic congestion and road blockages during peak hours.
- Steep Sales Tax
The sale tax rate in this state is the highest in the country. It currently stands at 9.5%, way more than the national average.
- Summers can be brutal
Summers in Tennessee can get hot and sticky. The temperature during this season usually hovers between 90°F-100°F and the humidity makes it feel even worse.
- Making new friends is challenging
People living here usually prefer to stick to their own communities and tribes and therefore, making new friends in this state is not an easy feat.
- Worst Public Transportation Service
Poor Public transportation is one of the major drawbacks of living in Tennessee. It is preferred to use your own vehicle to get around the state.
- Gang Violence
Tennessee is counted amongst the most unsafe states in the US to reside owing to Gang Violence. The eastern part of the state is home to almost all major gangs found in the country.
- Intense Thunderstorms
Get ready to experience intense thunderstorms, severe weather, and occasional tornadoes while living in this state.
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Is moving to Tennessee worth it?
You are taking a big step by moving to Tennessee, but it is definitely worth it. Why? There are many great things you should know before moving to Tennessee for the locals to do in the state. Besides having amazing attractions and incredible landscapes to view and explore, the state is affordable for residents.
For those who have just moved to a new state, this is an essential factor. Moreover, job prospects are high, so there’s no need to worry about losing your job. It gives the state credit for protecting its citizens through its crimes and safety department, even though the crime rate may be high.
The state of Tennessee is generally considered to be a great state to move to.
Conclusion
The above information can be very helpful for you when you are moving to Tennessee. It can be very affordable for you to live in Tennessee, as the cost of living is very less compared to the US national average. There are better opportunities for general jobs as well as high-paying jobs.
The places like Nashville, Memphis, etc. are growing rapidly due to many big companies here. There are no tax rates on the wages with few exceptions and a sales tax of 7%. This has reduced the costs of many of the items here. The quality of education is very nice and better availability of the healthcare facility.
The transportation network is well developed here as it is the intersection of three different states. A humid subtropical type of climate is experienced here making living in Tennessee much easier. Have a comfortable stay in Tennessee state with better availability of the basic facilities.
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