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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 (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Tennessee
98.0
Tennessee has 3.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Tennessee
98.8
Tennessee has 2.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Tennessee has 50% 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
$1,479/mo
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Tennessee is 20% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (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
48°F
Tennessee
58°F
Tennessee is 19% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Tennessee
207
Tennessee has 3.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Tennessee
54 in
Tennessee is 9.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Tennessee
50
Tennessee has 72% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Tennessee
5 in
Tennessee is 90% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsTennessee report

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

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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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