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Moving from Massachusetts to Tennessee

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

TN state flag
Moving to

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

Tennessee has an overall price level 91.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Tennessee
91.9
Tennessee has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Tennessee
79.1
Tennessee has 38% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
Tennessee
96.2
Tennessee has 2.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Tennessee
98.8
Tennessee has 2.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Tennessee
14.9 ¢/kWh
Tennessee has 49% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Tennessee
98.4
Tennessee has 2.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Tennessee
$332,600
Tennessee is 45% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Tennessee
$1,284/mo
Tennessee is 31% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Tennessee
89°F
Tennessee is 8.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Tennessee
30°F
Tennessee is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
Tennessee
58°F
Tennessee is 71% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
Tennessee
207
Tennessee has 340% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
Tennessee
54 in
Tennessee is 17% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
Tennessee
67
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
Tennessee
0
Tennessee has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
5 in

Get the full MassachusettsTennessee report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee than Massachusetts?

Tennessee's overall price level is roughly 91.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% income tax. Tennessee tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Tennessee?

Most Tennessee residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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