Key factors that impact the cost of your Tampa to Nashville movetoggle

The cost of Tampa movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Tampa to Nashville (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,215, while larger moves may reach $7,399 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Tampa.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $592 to $1,483, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tampa to Nashville

Moving from Tampa to Nashville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tampa than in Nashville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tampa compares to Nashville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tampa Nashville
Average rent cost $1,930 $1,971
Average home value $371,271 $428,678
Average income (per capita) $66,802 $79,020
Cost of living (single person) $3,232 $3,108
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,108 $8,447
Unemployment rate 5.0% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.5% 9.75%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Nashville are 2% higher than in Tampa, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
    Home prices in Nashville are 15.5% higher than in Tampa.
  • Income in Nashville is 18.3% higher than in Tampa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Access Control Systems, and Bridgestone.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 3.8% lower than in Tampa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Nashville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 4.2% higher than in Tampa.
  • The unemployment rate in Nashville is 10.00% lower than in Tampa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Nashville are 50.00% higher than in Tampa.
  • State income taxes are the same in Nashville and Tampa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,884.90 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tampa.

How life is different in Tampa vs. Nashville

Nashville Tampa
Population 689,447 403,364
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 96 51
Bike friendliness score 72 51
Crime Index 49.1 46.15
Safety Index 50.9 53.85
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Nashville is about 71% greater than Tampa, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Nashville without a car might be more difficult than in Tampa. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Tampa is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Nashville means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tampa. Nashville is considered more walkable than Tampa, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Tampa. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Nashville is considered more bike-friendly than Tampa in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Nashville has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Tampa is rated as 51 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Nashville as Tampa. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Nashville is generally as safe as Tampa, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Nashville and Tampa is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Tampa vs. Nashville move

  • Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Nashville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Nashville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of the South", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Nashville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Germantown
  • The Gulch
  • Midtown
  • Music Row

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Belmont-Hillsboro
  • Buena Vista
  • Green Hills
  • Lockeland Springs
  • Oak Hill

Things to do in Nashville

After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, itโ€™s time to see what Nashville is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Nashville include museums and art centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tampa to Nashville?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tampa to Nashville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tampa are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to Nashville?

With many people choosing to move from Tampa to Nashville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Tampa to Nashville take?

Moving from Tampa, FL to Nashville, TN covers 705 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Tampa movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.

Helpful moving resources