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Moving from Minnesota to Tennessee
Minnesota's top state income tax rate reaches 9.85%, while Tennessee levies no state wage income tax at all - a gap that draws households from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth south every year for work, retirement, and lifestyle reasons. The 882-mile overland route connects the Upper Midwest to Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where housing costs, carrying costs, and winters all run lighter. Full-service moves start at $2,990 for a studio or one-bedroom and reach $7,187 for four-plus-bedroom homes. Star Van Lines is a USDOT-licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491) handling this corridor with our own trained crews, not brokered out.
| Move size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $2,990 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $4,773 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $7,187 |
| Average cost |
|---|
| $2,990 |
| $4,773 |
| $7,187 |
What's Included in Your Move
Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly
Our team carefully disassembles large furniture for safe transport and reassembles it at your new home.
Professional Packing Materials
We provide shrink wrap, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and protective padding - packing materials excluding boxes are included in your quote.
Furniture Protection
Every piece of furniture is wrapped in blankets and shrink wrap to prevent scratches, dents, and damage during transit.
Secure Loading & Transport
Items are loaded by trained movers into clean, climate-appropriate trucks with securing mechanisms to prevent shifting.
Room-by-Room Placement
At your destination, we place each item in the room you designate - no pile of boxes in the hallway.
Post-Move Cleanup
We remove all packing debris and leftover materials, leaving your new home clean and move-in ready.
Living in Tennessee vs Minnesota: the numbers
Beyond the logistics, this move shifts your tax jurisdiction, cost of living, climate, and daily routine in meaningful ways. Tennessee carries no state wage income tax, a sharp contrast to Minnesota's graduated rates, and the climate difference is equally significant. The comparison tables on this page break down housing, taxes, weather, and demographics side by side.
Cost of Living
| Benefits | Minnesota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Median home value | Median home value$344,600 | Median home value$332,600 |
Median monthly rent | Median monthly rent$1,291 | Median monthly rent$1,284 |
Median household income | Median household income$87,117 | Median household income$71,997 |
State income tax | State income tax5.35%-9.85% | State income tax0% |
Average sales tax | Average sales tax8.14% | Average sales tax9.61% |
Cost of living index (US=100) | Cost of living index (US=100)98.4 | Cost of living index (US=100)92.5 |
Climate
| Benefits | Minnesota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Average summer high | Average summer high83 F | Average summer high90 F |
Average winter low | Average winter low8 F | Average winter low29 F |
Annual rainfall | Annual rainfall31 in | Annual rainfall54 in |
Annual snowfall | Annual snowfall55 in | Annual snowfall4 in |
Days of sunshine | Days of sunshine192 | Days of sunshine208 |
Population & Demographics
| Benefits | Minnesota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Population | Population5,793,151 | Population7,227,750 |
Population density | Population density73.0/sq mi | Population density169.5/sq mi |
Median age | Median age39.2 | Median age39.1 |
Major metros | Major metrosMinneapolis-St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud | Major metrosNashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga |
Sources: compiled from public records (US Census, Tax Foundation, BEA, NOAA, and state agencies). Figures are current estimates; confirm specifics with official sources before relying on them.
Minnesota's median home value of $344,600 sits above Tennessee's $332,600, and the income-tax picture changes entirely - Minnesota's graduated rate runs from 5.35% to 9.85% while Tennessee levies no state wage income tax. Sales tax tells a different story, with Tennessee's rate of 9.61% running higher than Minnesota's 8.14%, so the full cost-of-living picture rewards a close look at the figures here.
Minnesota's winters are long and cold, with a winter low of 8F and 55 inches of annual snowfall, while Tennessee trades that for a summer high of 90F, 54 inches of rain, and only 4 inches of snow in a typical year. The shift means milder winters but a wetter, more storm-prone warm season - Tennessee's regional risks include severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and occasional winter ice events.
Tennessee's population of 7,227,750 spreads across a density of 169.5 people per square mile, roughly double Minnesota's 73.0 per square mile, and its major metros - Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga - offer a different urban scale than Minneapolis-St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Median age is nearly identical in both states, at 39.2 in Minnesota and 39.1 in Tennessee.

Dennis has 15+ years of experience in interstate moving and has coordinated over 1,000 relocations across the United States.
First week in Tennessee: what to do after you arrive
After moving from Minnesota to Tennessee, several tasks carry state-specific deadlines. Tennessee requires new residents to apply for a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency, and vehicle registration follows the same 30-day window. Tennessee has no safety or emissions inspection requirement. A prioritized checklist of first-week tasks follows.
- Update your driver's license
Tennessee requires new residents to apply at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 30 days. Bring proof of residency and your out-of-state license. See www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlnew.html.
- Register your vehicle
within 30 days at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- Transfer your auto insurance
contact your insurer to re-rate your policy for Tennessee. Minimum coverage requirements may differ.
- Register to vote
Tennessee offers voter registration: Online, DMV, mail.
- Update homeowner's or renter's insurance
Tennessee's regional risks - Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and occasional winter ice/storm events - may change your coverage needs.
- Forward your mail
USPS Change of Address (free online at usps.com).
- Transfer medical records
contact current providers before your move and find a new primary care physician in Tennessee.
- Update school records
if you have children, request transcripts from the previous school district and check Tennessee enrollment requirements for transfer students.
Why Star Van Lines for interstate moves
Star Van Lines has been a licensed interstate carrier since 2016, operating under USDOT #4176875 and MC #1607491. We handle full-service relocations between all 50 states, including the Minnesota-to-Tennessee corridor, with transparent pricing, a single move coordinator, and our own trained crews - not brokered subcontractors.
Licensed and insured interstate carrier
You can verify Star Van Lines on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) by searching USDOT #4176875. Federal compliance means proper cargo liability, weight documentation, and valuation coverage on every interstate shipment. That registration is the baseline check any household should run before handing belongings to an interstate mover. It's public, free, and takes under a minute to confirm we are who we say we are.
Verify our operating authority on the FMCSA SAFER website: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491).
Single coordinator, single crew
One coordinator manages your move from the initial quote through final delivery - a single point of contact you can call or text at any stage. We use our own trained crews on the Minnesota-to-Tennessee corridor. Your belongings are not handed off to a third-party carrier or brokered out to an unknown subcontractor, which means consistent handling, direct accountability, and no confusion about who is responsible when questions come up.
Real pricing, written in advance
Every estimate we send is itemized and delivered in writing before you book. We offer both binding and not-to-exceed pricing options so you know your exposure before the truck is loaded. Shuttle fees, long-carry charges, stair fees, and elevator time are disclosed upfront - there is no surprise invoice waiting at delivery. What the written estimate says is what you pay, with no hidden line items added after the fact.
Trusted by 240+ reviewers
Star Van Lines averages 4.0 on Trustpilot, 4.5 on Google, and 4.75 on Facebook across 240+ reviews on those platforms. Those ratings reflect households that booked a full-service interstate move and left feedback afterward. We do not cherry-pick corridors or time periods - the aggregate counts and averages are drawn from the full review history across Trustpilot, Google, and Facebook combined.
How Your Minnesota to Tennessee Move Works
Free Quote & Consultation
Call us at (855) 822-2722 or fill out our online form. We will assess your inventory and provide a transparent, no-obligation estimate for your Minnesota to Tennessee move.
Custom Moving Plan
Your dedicated coordinator creates a tailored plan based on your timeline, budget, and specific requirements. Every detail is documented - no surprises on moving day.
Professional Packing & Loading
Our trained crew arrives on schedule, carefully packing and loading your belongings using professional materials and techniques to ensure safe transport.
Secure Interstate Transport
Your items travel in a clean, secure truck from Minnesota to Tennessee across 882 miles. You receive updates throughout the journey and can reach us anytime.
Delivery & Setup
We unload and place every item room by room in your new home. Furniture is reassembled, packing materials are removed, and a walkthrough ensures your complete satisfaction.
FAQ
Questions? Look here
Canโt find an answer? Call us
(855) 822-2722 or email
A full-service move from Minnesota to Tennessee typically costs $2,990 for a studio or one-bedroom home and up to $7,187 for a four-bedroom or larger home, with the 882-mile overland distance serving as a primary cost driver. Final pricing also depends on shipment weight, home size, and the time of year you choose to move. Studios and one-bedroom apartments start at $2,990, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $4,773, and four-plus-bedroom households reach $7,187. Call (855) 822-2722 to get an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.
Transit time on the Minnesota-to-Tennessee corridor depends on carrier availability, the size of your shipment, and the delivery window you select at booking. The 882-mile overland route means scheduling can also be affected by seasonal weather across the Upper Midwest, particularly in winter months. Your move coordinator will confirm a scheduled delivery window when you book, so you know what to plan around. Call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online to discuss timing options with your coordinator.
Tennessee requires new residents to obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and you can find the full requirements at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlnew.html. Vehicle registration must also be completed within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Tennessee does not require a safety inspection or emissions test for vehicle registration, which simplifies the process compared to many other states.
The most common additional charges on an interstate move include shuttle fees when a full-size truck cannot access your street or driveway, long-carry charges that apply when the distance from the truck to your door exceeds 75 feet, stair fees for multi-floor homes without elevator access, and elevator waiting-time charges at apartment buildings. These fees are not hidden at Star Van Lines - every applicable charge is disclosed in your written estimate before you confirm the booking. Reviewing your inventory carefully with your coordinator helps ensure the estimate reflects your actual situation. If your circumstances change between estimate and move day, contact your coordinator to update the quote.
A binding estimate locks your total cost based on the inventory list you provide at the time of quoting - you pay that agreed amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be different. A not-to-exceed estimate caps your price at the quoted figure, but if your shipment weighs less than projected, your final bill can come in lower. Both binding and not-to-exceed estimate options are available when you book with Star Van Lines. Discussing your inventory in detail with your coordinator helps ensure whichever estimate type you choose reflects your move accurately.
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage on every shipment. Released Value Protection is included at no additional charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per article, which is the minimum required by law. Full Value Protection is a paid upgrade that holds the mover responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, and you can confirm our coverage status before your move.
Search USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to confirm our operating authority, insurance status, and safety record. The database will also display our MC number 1607491, which confirms we hold active motor carrier authority for interstate household goods moves. Any legitimate interstate moving company should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number before you sign a contract. If a mover cannot supply both, that is a significant warning sign.
Spring and fall are generally the best windows for this corridor - demand is lower than the summer peak, temperatures are more manageable at both ends of the route, and you avoid the worst of Minnesota's winter weather and Tennessee's midsummer heat and humidity. Peak demand runs May through September, when prices are higher and scheduling is tighter, so booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance is especially important during those months. October through April offers more scheduling flexibility and is typically the lower-demand window for this corridor. Keep in mind that winter moves from Minnesota can face snow, ice, and wind across the Upper Midwest, so discuss weather contingency planning with your coordinator.
Tennessee levies no state wage income tax, while Minnesota's state income tax ranges from 5.35% to 9.85% depending on your income level - a significant difference for working households and retirees alike. Tennessee also does not tax Social Security income or retirement withdrawals, which is a meaningful benefit for retirees relocating from Minnesota. In the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both states, so consulting a tax professional about your specific situation is advisable. Property taxes vary significantly by county within Tennessee, so research the specific county you are moving to for an accurate picture of your total tax burden.
Tennessee requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. To complete registration, you will need your current vehicle title, proof of insurance that meets Tennessee's requirements, and proof of Tennessee residency. Tennessee does not require a safety inspection or emissions test as part of the registration process. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlnew.html for the complete and current list of required documents.
Star Van Lines can hold your shipment in storage at one of our 43 warehouse locations nationwide if your closing date or lease start date does not align with your delivery window. Storage-in-transit is a common solution for interstate moves where timing between origin and destination does not line up perfectly. Your move coordinator can build flexibility into the delivery window at the time of booking so you are not caught without a plan. Discuss your expected timeline and any potential delays with your coordinator early in the process so the right arrangements are in place before your move day.
Moving Services for Your Minnesota to Tennessee Relocation
Long Distance Moving
Full-service interstate moving with professional packing, secure transport, and room-by-room delivery. Licensed and insured for moves across all 50 states.
Learn More โPacking & Unpacking
Professional packing using 15 types of materials. We handle everything from fragile glassware to heavy furniture, with a 100% safety guarantee when we pack.
Learn More โStorage Solutions
Climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored warehouse storage on individual pallets. Flexible short-term and long-term options with barcoding for every item.
Learn More โSpecial Item Moving
Expert handling of pianos, pool tables, safes, hot tubs, and other heavy or fragile items. Custom crating and specialized equipment available.
Learn More โReady to Start Your Minnesota to Tennessee Move?
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USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured