Key factors that impact the cost of your New Orleans to Nashville move
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Nashville
Moving from New Orleans 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 New Orleans than in Nashville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how New Orleans compares to Nashville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
New Orleans | Nashville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,755 | $1,971 |
Average home value | $231,649 | $428,678 |
Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $79,020 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $3,108 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,905 | $8,447 |
Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 4.5% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 12% higher than in New Orleans, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in New Orleans.
Home prices in Nashville are 85.1% higher than in New Orleans. - Income in Nashville is 54.6% higher than in New Orleans, 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 is the same in Nashville and New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Nashville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 6.9% higher than in New Orleans.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is 59.09% lower than in New Orleans.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Nashville are 2.50% lower than in New Orleans.
- One perk of moving to Nashville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in New Orleans.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,975.11 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Nashville
Nashville | New Orleans | |
---|---|---|
Population | 689,447 | 383,997 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 7 |
Walkability score | 96 | 58 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 66 |
Crime Index | 49.1 | 67.31 |
Safety Index | 50.9 | 32.69 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Nashville is about 80% greater than New Orleans, 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 New Orleans. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas New Orleans is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Nashville means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in New Orleans. Nashville is considered more walkable than New Orleans, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 58 out of 100 in New Orleans. A cityโs 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans is rated as 66 out of 100.
- Nashville has a lower crime rate than New Orleans based on scores of 49.1 and New Orleans's 67.31, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Nashville than in New Orleans, based on Nashvilleโs safety index of 50.9 versus 32.69 for New Orleans. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Nashville and New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Nashville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Nashville
Ready to relocate to "Athens of the South"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, itโs the perfect time to explore Nashville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Nashville, such as 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 cityโs Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 New Orleans to Nashville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New Orleans to Nashville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New Orleans are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Nashville?
With many people choosing to move from New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Nashville take?
Moving from New Orleans, LA to Nashville, TN covers 531 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some New Orleans movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.