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Moving from North Dakota to Tennessee
Tennessee carries no state income tax on wages - a meaningful contrast to North Dakota's income tax rate of 1.95% to 2.50% - and that financial difference is one of the clearest reasons households are relocating from the northern plains to the mid-South. The overland route covers 1,092 miles, with full-service move costs starting at $2,750 for a studio or one-bedroom and reaching $6,600 for four-plus-bedroom homes. Star Van Lines is a USDOT-licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491), moving households from Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks to Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Call us at (855) 822-2722 to get started.
| Move size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $2,750 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $4,400 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $6,600 |
| Average cost |
|---|
| $2,750 |
| $4,400 |
| $6,600 |
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 North Dakota: 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 income tax on wages, while North Dakota applies a rate of 1.95% to 2.50%. The comparison tables on this page break down housing, taxes, weather, and demographics so you can plan realistically.
Cost of Living
| Benefits | North Dakota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Median home value | Median home value$249,900 | Median home value$244,000 |
Median monthly rent | Median monthly rent$954 | Median monthly rent$1,157 |
Median household income | Median household income$76,657 | Median household income$67,381 |
State income tax | State income tax1.95%-2.50% | 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)89.0 | Cost of living index (US=100)92.5 |
Climate
| Benefits | North Dakota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Average summer high | Average summer high85 F | Average summer high89 F |
Average winter low | Average winter low2 F | Average winter low29 F |
Annual rainfall | Annual rainfall18 in | Annual rainfall53 in |
Annual snowfall | Annual snowfall51 in | Annual snowfall5 in |
Days of sunshine | Days of sunshine215 | Days of sunshine208 |
Population & Demographics
| Benefits | North Dakota | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
Population | Population799,358 | Population7,180,123 |
Population density | Population density11.3/sq mi | Population density171.0/sq mi |
Median age | Median age35.4 | Median age39.0 |
Major metros | Major metrosFargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot | 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.
North Dakota and Tennessee post similar median home values - $249,900 versus $244,000 - but the tax picture differs sharply. Tennessee eliminated its tax on interest and dividends in 2021 and applies no income tax on wages, while North Dakota taxes earned income at 1.95% to 2.50%. Median rent runs higher in Tennessee at $1,157 compared to $954 in North Dakota. Renters should factor that gap into monthly budgets before signing a lease.
North Dakota's climate is defined by short summers peaking around 85F and winters that drop to 2F with roughly 51 inches of annual snowfall. Tennessee trades that cold for a milder but wetter pattern - summer highs near 89F, winter lows around 29F, and 53 inches of annual rainfall with only about 5 inches of snow. But the mid-South brings its own hazards: tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, occasional ice storms, and minor earthquake exposure near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Newcomers from the plains should review their homeowners and renters insurance before the move, not after.
The population gap between the two states is substantial. North Dakota counts roughly 799,358 residents spread across a density of 11.3 people per square mile, while Tennessee is home to more than 7.1 million people at 171 per square mile, anchored by metros like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Tennessee also skews older, with a median age of 39.0 compared to North Dakota's 35.4 - reflecting in part its appeal to retirees drawn by the warmer climate and lower tax burden.
First week in Tennessee: what to do after you arrive
After moving to Tennessee, several tasks carry state-specific deadlines. Tennessee requires new residents to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency - the same 30-day window applies to vehicle registration. There is no safety inspection or emissions test required. A prioritized checklist of first-week tasks follows below.
- 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 across all 50 states, including the North Dakota-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 at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching USDOT #4176875. That public record takes under a minute to check and is the baseline verification any household should run before entrusting belongings to an interstate mover. Federal compliance means proper cargo liability coverage, accurate weight documentation, and valuation protection on every interstate shipment. We maintain full compliance on every corridor we serve.
Verify our operating authority on the FMCSA SAFER website: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491).
Single coordinator, single crew
From the moment you request a quote to the day your belongings are placed in your Tennessee home, one coordinator manages your move. You get a single point of contact for scheduling, packing questions, and delivery updates - no handoffs to unfamiliar voices. Our own trained crews handle your shipment; we do not broker your move to third-party carriers. For households moving from Fargo or Bismarck to Nashville or Memphis, that continuity matters.
Real pricing, written in advance
Every estimate we provide 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 move begins - not added to an invoice after delivery. No surprise line items waiting at the end of a 1,092-mile haul.
Trusted by 240+ reviewers
Star Van Lines has earned 240+ reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and Facebook, averaging 4.0 on Trustpilot, 4.5 on Google, and 4.75 on Facebook. Those ratings reflect households across many corridors and home sizes. We do not curate or selectively display feedback - the aggregate counts and scores are publicly visible on each platform and reflect the full record of customer experiences.
How Your North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Tennessee across 1092 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
Can’t find an answer? Call us
(855) 822-2722 or email
A full-service move from North Dakota to Tennessee across 1,092 miles typically costs between $2,750 and $6,600, depending on home size, shipment weight, and time of year. Studio and one-bedroom moves start at $2,750, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $4,400, and four-plus-bedroom households can reach $6,600. Factors like packing services, specialty items, and seasonal demand also affect the final figure. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.
Transit time on this 1,092-mile 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 pickup date are established. For specific timing options on the North Dakota to Tennessee route, call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online and your coordinator will confirm a delivery window that fits your schedule.
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 process. Vehicle registration must also be completed within 30 days of establishing residency. Tennessee does not require a safety inspection or emissions test for registration, which simplifies the process for most new residents.
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 in apartment buildings. All of these potential charges are disclosed in the written estimate before you book, so there are no surprises on moving day. Reviewing your estimate line by line with your coordinator is the best way to understand exactly what is included.
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 your 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 can explain which structure makes more sense for your move from North Dakota to Tennessee. Ask for the estimate type that best fits your budget certainty needs before signing any agreement.
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage. Released Value Protection is included at no additional charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per article, which is minimal protection for high-value goods. Full Value Protection is a paid option 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 your coordinator can walk you through both coverage options before your move date.
You can verify our credentials by searching USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. That federal database confirms our operating authority, MC number 1607491, insurance status, and safety record. Any legitimate interstate moving company should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number on request. Checking these credentials before signing a contract is a straightforward way to protect yourself from unlicensed carriers.
Spring and fall are the most favorable windows for this corridor - spring avoids North Dakota's severe winter storms and fall avoids Tennessee's summer heat extremes. Peak moving demand runs May through September, when carrier availability tightens and prices trend higher. The lower-demand window of October through April generally offers more scheduling flexibility. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your preferred date gives your coordinator the best opportunity to secure the right crew and equipment for your move.
North Dakota applies a state income tax rate of 1.95% to 2.50% on wages, while Tennessee carries no state income tax on wages - the tax on interest and dividends was repealed in 2021. Tennessee does have a higher sales tax rate of 9.548% compared to North Dakota's 7.1%, so day-to-day purchases will carry a larger tax load. For the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both states, and property taxes vary significantly by county within Tennessee. Consulting a tax professional about your specific situation is the best way to plan for the transition.
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 to complete the process. Tennessee does not require a safety inspection or emissions test, which removes two common steps that new residents in other states must complete. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security - Driver Services at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html for the complete list of required documents and county-specific registration offices.
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 will build flexibility into the delivery window and walk you through the storage-in-transit process during the planning stage. Discussing your timeline early gives the team the best opportunity to arrange a solution that fits your situation.
Moving Services for Your North Dakota 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 →Packing & 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 →Storage 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 →Special 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 →Ready to Start Your North Dakota to Tennessee Move?
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USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured