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Moving from Mississippi to Tennessee
Mississippi workers relocating to Tennessee often find that the absence of state income tax on wages - repealed fully by 2021 - combined with a 15-25% salary increase for comparable roles makes the financial case hard to ignore, even as Tennessee's cost-of-living index runs modestly higher. The 414-mile overland route connects metros like Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg to Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Full-service moves start at $2,400 for a studio or one-bedroom and reach $5,750 for four-plus-bedroom homes. Star Van Lines is a USDOT-licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491) - call us at (855) 822-2722 to get started.
| Move size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $2,400 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $3,850 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $5,750 |
| Average cost |
|---|
| $2,400 |
| $3,850 |
| $5,750 |
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 Mississippi: the numbers
Beyond the logistics, this move shifts your tax jurisdiction, cost of living, climate, and daily routine. Tennessee carries no state income tax on wages, a higher median income, and a larger population spread across more metros. The comparison tables on this page break down housing, taxes, weather, and demographics so you can plan realistically.
Cost of Living
| Benefits | Mississippi | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Median home value | Median home value$169,800 | Median home value$244,000 |
Median monthly rent | Median monthly rent$954 | Median monthly rent$1,157 |
Median household income | Median household income$56,447 | Median household income$67,381 |
State income tax | State income tax4.00% | State income taxNo state income tax on wages (tax on interest & dividends repealed 2021) |
Average sales tax | Average sales tax7.1% | Average sales tax9.548% |
Cost of living index (US=100) | Cost of living index (US=100)87.0 | Cost of living index (US=100)92.5 |
Climate
| Benefits | Mississippi | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Average summer high | Average summer high92 F | Average summer high89 F |
Average winter low | Average winter low37 F | Average winter low29 F |
Annual rainfall | Annual rainfall59 in | Annual rainfall53 in |
Annual snowfall | Annual snowfall1 in | Annual snowfall5 in |
Days of sunshine | Days of sunshine223 | Days of sunshine208 |
Population & Demographics
| Benefits | Mississippi | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Population | Population2,954,160 | Population7,180,123 |
Population density | Population density63.1/sq mi | Population density171.0/sq mi |
Median age | Median age38.3 | Median age39.0 |
Major metros | Major metrosJackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, Hattiesburg | 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.
Mississippi's median home value of $169,800 and median rent of $954 sit well below Tennessee's $244,000 and $1,157 respectively, so housing costs rise after the move. The income-tax picture shifts sharply in Tennessee's favor - Mississippi levies a 4.00% income tax while Tennessee repealed its tax on wages entirely - though Tennessee's sales tax of 9.548% runs higher than Mississippi's 7.1%, so the comparison tables here give the full picture.
Mississippi's summers peak around 92F with 59 inches of annual rainfall and only 1 inch of snow, while Tennessee's winters dip to a colder 29F average low and bring roughly 5 inches of snow along with a greater risk of ice storms, particularly near the northern border. Both states see significant severe-weather exposure, including tornadoes and flooding, so the climate data on this page is worth reviewing before you choose a move date.
Tennessee's population of roughly 7.18 million is more than double Mississippi's 2.95 million, and its density of 171 people per square mile is nearly three times Mississippi's 63.1, meaning the urban feel of Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga differs noticeably from the smaller-metro pace of Jackson or Gulfport-Biloxi. The median age in both states is close - 38.3 in Mississippi versus 39.0 in Tennessee - but the scale and variety of Tennessee's job markets and communities represent a meaningful shift in daily life.
First week in Tennessee: what to do after you arrive
After moving from Mississippi 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 does not require a safety inspection or emissions test. 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 - Driver Services within 30 days. Bring proof of residency and your out-of-state license. See www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html.
- Register your vehicle
within 30 days at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security - Driver Services.
- 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 - Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, occasional ice storms, and minor earthquake risk near the New Madrid Seismic Zone - 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 Mississippi-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.
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 for every question, schedule change, and access detail. Our own trained crews handle your belongings throughout; we do not broker your move to a third-party carrier. Whether you're leaving Jackson for Nashville or Gulfport-Biloxi for Memphis, you reach the same person every time you call.
Real pricing, written in advance
Every estimate is itemized and delivered in writing before you book. We offer binding and not-to-exceed options so the number you see upfront is the number you plan around. Shuttle fees, long-carry charges, stair fees, and elevator time are disclosed before the truck rolls - not added to the invoice after your furniture is already inside your Tennessee home.
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. Reviewers span corridors and household sizes of all kinds, and the aggregate counts reflect real customers who booked, moved, and left feedback. We do not curate or filter that record - the profiles are public and the numbers speak for themselves.
How Your Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Tennessee across 414 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 Mississippi to Tennessee across the 414-mile overland route typically costs between $2,400 and $5,750, depending on home size, shipment weight, and time of year. Studio and one-bedroom moves start at $2,400, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $3,850, and four-plus-bedroom households reach $5,750. Factors like stair access, long carries, and seasonal demand can also affect the final figure. Call (855) 822-2722 to get an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.
Transit time on the Mississippi-to-Tennessee corridor depends on carrier availability, the size of your shipment, and the delivery window you select at booking. Your move coordinator will confirm a scheduled delivery window once your inventory and dates are finalized. For questions about timing and scheduling options, call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online and a coordinator will walk you through the process.
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 - Driver Services (www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html) to complete the transfer. Vehicle registration must also be updated within 30 days of establishing residency. Tennessee does not require a safety inspection or emissions test for 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, long-carry charges 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 fees at high-rise buildings. All applicable charges are disclosed in your written estimate before you book, so there are no surprises on move day. Reviewing your inventory list carefully with your coordinator helps ensure the estimate reflects your actual situation.
A binding estimate locks in the total price based on the inventory list you provide - you pay that agreed amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be different. A not-to-exceed estimate caps the price at the quoted figure but can come in lower if your shipment weighs less than projected. Both binding and not-to-exceed options are available through Star Van Lines, and your coordinator will explain which approach fits your move best. Understanding the difference helps you budget accurately for your Mississippi-to-Tennessee relocation.
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage. Released Value Protection is included at no extra charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per article, which may not reflect the actual replacement cost of your belongings. Full Value Protection is a paid option that holds the mover responsible for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of any lost or damaged item at current market value. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, so you can verify our coverage before booking.
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 also lists our MC number 1607491, which confirms we hold active interstate operating authority. Any legitimate interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number before you sign a contract. These federal identifiers are the most reliable way to confirm a mover's credentials.
Peak moving demand runs from May through September, when warmer weather and school-year transitions drive higher volumes and tighter carrier availability. The lower-demand window from October through April generally offers more scheduling flexibility. On this corridor specifically, May and October tend to offer mild temperatures and lower storm risk, making them favorable months to plan your move. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead regardless of season, and your coordinator will confirm a delivery window that fits your schedule.
Mississippi imposes a 4.00% state income tax on wages, while Tennessee carries no state income tax on wages - a policy fully in effect since 2021 when the tax on interest and dividends was repealed. That difference can meaningfully increase your take-home pay, especially when combined with the 15-25% salary increase many workers see in comparable Tennessee roles. However, Tennessee's sales tax rate of 9.548% is higher than Mississippi's 7.1%, so day-to-day purchases will cost more. You will likely need to file partial-year returns in both states for the year you move, and a tax professional can help you sort out property tax differences, which vary by county within Tennessee.
Tennessee requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need your current title, proof of insurance that meets Tennessee requirements, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement. 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 - Driver Services at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.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 move-out date. Storage-in-transit is a common solution for interstate moves where timing between origin and destination does not line up perfectly. Discuss your situation with your move coordinator before your move date and they will build flexibility into the delivery window. Planning ahead for this possibility helps avoid last-minute pressure on both ends of the move.
Moving Services for Your Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Tennessee Move?
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USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured
