Relocation and what to know!

If you’re considering a move from California to Tennessee, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Californians trade high costs and heavy taxes for the financial freedom and slower pace of life that Tennessee offers — and for good reason. The numbers tell a clear story: your dollar goes much farther here.

Cost of Living: The Tennessee Advantage

Let’s start with the big one — overall cost of living. On average, Tennessee is 20–30% cheaper than California.
Housing alone is the biggest factor. The median home price in California hovers around $775,000, while in Tennessee, it’s closer to $350,000 — and even less in many East Tennessee areas like Knoxville, Maryville, and Sevierville. That difference alone can mean the ability to buy a home with land instead of a small condo.

Groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities also cost less here. You’ll find lower monthly bills across the board, from power to insurance. Add it all up, and your paycheck simply stretches farther in Tennessee.

Taxes: Keep More of What You Earn

This is where Tennessee really shines.

• No state income tax. You keep 100% of your earned wages.

• Property taxes are modest. Even with recent appreciation, Tennessee’s effective property tax rate sits around 0.6%, compared to California’s 0.8–1.1%.

• Sales tax is higher (roughly 9.75% in many counties), but that’s a small price to pay for no income tax and lower property costs.

When you factor it all together, a Tennessee resident often ends up saving thousands per year compared to someone earning the same wage in California.

Take-Home Pay: More Cash, Less Stress

Even if salaries in Tennessee are slightly lower on paper, the real take-home difference swings heavily in your favor.
For example:

• A $70,000 income in California gets trimmed by state income tax and inflated housing and utility bills.

• That same salary in Tennessee — with no income tax, lower housing costs, and smaller bills — often results in 20–25% more disposable income.

Vehicle Registration and Daily Expenses

Vehicle registration is another area where Tennessee wins hands down. Most Tennessee residents pay under $100 a year to register a vehicle, compared to $250–$500+ in California, where fees are tied to the car’s value.

Gas is cheaper, insurance rates are lower, and you can actually find free parking in most Tennessee cities. You’ll spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the ride — or the lake.

The Value of a Dollar in Tennessee

In California, $1 feels like 75 cents. In Tennessee, it feels like $1.25.
A night out, a family grocery trip, or a weekend getaway doesn’t require a second mortgage. It’s a place where you can build wealth instead of constantly trying to keep up.

Combine that with friendlier people, a business-friendly environment, and no state income tax — and it’s easy to see why Tennessee continues to rank as one of the top states for relocation year after year.

Why So Many Californians Are Choosing East Tennessee

East Tennessee, in particular, is drawing new residents who want more space, a strong community feel, and stunning natural surroundings — all without giving up modern conveniences.

• Knoxville offers a growing job market, strong schools, and quick access to the Smoky Mountains.

• Maryville, Alcoa, and Oak Ridge provide family-friendly neighborhoods with easy commutes.

• Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are magnets for those looking to invest in short-term rentals or enjoy a resort-style lifestyle year-round.

No matter where you land, your money — and your quality of life — will go further than it ever did in California.

The Key takeaway from here is that it is much more affordable to live in Tennessee and the hourly wage isn’t something to be scared of. My wife personally took a $23 per hour pay cut and takes home the exact same each paycheck plus pays less in federal tax and gets more for her dollar here in Tennessee. I am happy to share my personal experiences if you reach out and ask!