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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Kentucky to Tennessee

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your Kentucky to Tennessee move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving Kentucky

Population4.5M
State Income Tax4.5%
Avg Home Price$200,000
Avg Rent$950/mo
Property Tax Rate0.86%
DESTINATION

Moving to Tennessee

Population6.9M
State Income Tax0% (None)
Avg Home Price$330,000
Avg Rent$1,300/mo
Property Tax Rate0.71%

Why Are People Moving from Kentucky to Tennessee?

The migration corridor between Kentucky and Tennessee is a popular interstate move. Thousands of households explore this route every year.

Tax Savings: Tennessee has no state income tax, compared to 4.5% in Kentucky. This tax difference is one of the primary financial motivations for this move.

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. Housing in Tennessee costs about $130,000 more on average, so budget accordingly.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Tennessee average 38°F, compared to 35°F in Kentucky.

Jobs & Industry: Tennessee's key industries include Healthcare, Music Industry, Automotive, which attract professionals from Kentucky's Bourbon and Automotive sectors.

Cities in Kentucky

Other Major Cities

Bowling Green
Covington
Lexington

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 281 miles between Kentucky and Tennessee:

Studio / 1 BR
$941
3–4 BR Home
$2,337

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

KentuckyTennessee Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Tennessee within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Tennessee after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Tennessee vehicle inspection requirement: Emissions in select counties.

Things to Know About Tennessee

  • No state income tax on wages or salary
  • Nashville is one of the fastest-growing US cities
  • Vehicle emissions testing required in Davidson and surrounding counties

What's Different: Kentucky vs Tennessee

Taxes

Kentucky Income Tax:4.5%
Tennessee Income Tax:None
Kentucky Property Tax:0.86%
Tennessee Property Tax:0.71%

Weather

Kentucky Summer Avg:87°F
Tennessee Summer Avg:89°F
Kentucky Winter Avg:35°F
Tennessee Winter Avg:38°F

Cost of Living

Kentucky COL Index:90
Tennessee COL Index:91
Kentucky Avg Home Price:$200,000
Tennessee Avg Home Price:$330,000
Kentucky Avg Rent:$950/mo
Tennessee Avg Rent:$1,300/mo

Ready to make the move to Tennessee?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between Kentucky and Tennessee.