Key factors that impact the cost of your New York City to Nashville movetoggle

The cost of New York City movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from New York City to Nashville (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,203, while larger moves may reach $6,794 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 New York City.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $708 to $1,874, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New York City to Nashville

Moving from New York City 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 York City than in Nashville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how New York City compares to Nashville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New York City Nashville
Average rent cost $4,340 $1,971
Average home value $752,778 $428,678
Average income (per capita) $78,058 $79,020
Cost of living (single person) $5,683 $3,108
Cost of living (family of 4) $15,081 $8,447
Unemployment rate 11.2% 4.5%
Sales tax 8.0% 9.75%
State income tax 10.9% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Nashville are 55% lower than in New York City, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Nashville.
    Home prices in Nashville are 43.1% lower than in New York City.
  • Income in Nashville is 1.2% higher than in New York City, 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 45.3% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 44.0% lower than in New York City.
  • The unemployment rate in Nashville is 59.82% lower than in New York City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Nashville are 21.88% higher than in New York City.
  • One perk of moving to Nashville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,640.68 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. Nashville

Nashville New York City
Population 689,447 8,258,035
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 10
Walkability score 96 88
Bike friendliness score 72 69
Crime Index 49.1 50.83
Safety Index 50.9 49.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Nashville might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 92% less than New York City.
  • Getting around Nashville without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. 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 New York City. Nashville is considered more walkable than New York City, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 88 out of 100 in New York City. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Nashville and New York City are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 72 and 69 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Nashville as New York City. 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 New York City, 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 New York City 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 York City 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toNashville Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Nashville

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Athens of the South" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to check out.

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, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Nashville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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 York City to Nashville?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Nashville?

With many people choosing to move from New York City 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 York City to Nashville take?

Moving from New York City, NY to Nashville, TN covers 885 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some New York City movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.

Helpful moving resources