($1,726) Movers From Seattle, WA to Nashville, TN

What to know before moving from Seattle to Nashville

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

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

• Rent prices are the same in Nashville and Seattle.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Nashville.
  Home prices in Nashville are 49.1% lower than in Seattle.
• Income in Nashville is 1.5% higher than in Seattle, 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 16.9% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 13.8% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Nashville is 6.25% lower than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the city’s sales taxes in Nashville are 5.80% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes are the same in Nashville and Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,493.05 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Nashville

• Nashville might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 6% less than Seattle.
• Getting around Nashville without a car might be more difficult than in Seattle. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Seattle is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Nashville means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Seattle. Nashville is considered more walkable than Seattle, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 74 out of 100 in Seattle. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• Nashville and Seattle are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 72 and 71 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.
• Nashville has a lower crime rate than Seattle based on scores of 49.1 and Seattle's 58.88, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• Nashville is generally as safe as Seattle, 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Nashville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Nashville

With your sights set on "Athens of the South", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Nashville.

Helpful moving resources