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Moving from Tennessee to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

TN state flag
Living now

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

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

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Tennessee
91.9
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 20% higher overall price level
Housing index
Tennessee
79.1
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 96% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Tennessee
96.2
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 11% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.8
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 2.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Tennessee
14.9 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 70% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.4
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 3.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Tennessee
$332,600
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 121% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Tennessee
$1,284/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 50% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Tennessee
89°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Tennessee
30°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 6.7% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Tennessee
58°F
District of Columbia
57°F
Sunny days / year
Tennessee
207
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 4.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Tennessee
54 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 17% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Tennessee
67
District of Columbia
41
District of Columbia has 39% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Tennessee
0
District of Columbia
0
Snow / year
Tennessee
5 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 120% more annual snowfall

Get the full TennesseeDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Tennessee?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 91.9 for Tennessee, 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?

Tennessee tops out at 0% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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