Moving from Colorado to Tennessee
Moving from Colorado to Tennessee covers about 1,275 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistCO vs TN at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Tennessee are about 13% lower than in Colorado — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
No state income tax in Tennessee
Tennessee charges no state income tax, versus a top rate around 4.4% in Colorado. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.
A much warmer climate
Tennessee averages 14°F warmer than Colorado. Lighten your wardrobe, plan for air conditioning, and pace outdoor tasks on moving day.
Wetter climate
Tennessee gets about 38" more precipitation a year than Colorado. Waterproof gear and covered parking are worth having on arrival.
Before You Leave Colorado
File Form DR 0104 with Schedule DR 0104PN
You are a part-year resident if you move out of Colorado to make your home somewhere else. Colorado taxes the income you earned while you lived here. It also taxes income from Colorado sources after you leave. File a part-year return if you must file a federal return or you owe Colorado tax. Attach the DR 0104PN to the DR 0104. The rate for tax year 2025 is a flat 4.4 percent.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Individual Income Tax Guide (January 2026)Plan for 2 percent withholding if you sell a house after you move out
If you sell Colorado real property for more than $100,000 as a nonresident, the closing agent may withhold tax. The amount is 2 percent of the sales price or the net proceeds, whichever is less. There is an exception for a house that was your principal residence just before the sale and could qualify for the federal home sale exclusion. To use it, sign that affirmation on form DR 1083.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Form DR 1083 (2025)Return or recycle your Colorado plates
When you no longer need the Colorado plates, return them to your county motor vehicle office. You can also recycle them with a service that takes metal. You may be able to use personalized plates on another vehicle. Ask your county motor vehicle office.
Source: Colorado DMV, License PlatesComplete a release of liability if you sell the vehicle
If you sell your vehicle before the move, complete a Release of Liability. You can do it through Colorado DMV online services.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationExpect mail ballots until your county knows you moved
Your county clerk mails you a ballot until it receives information that you moved out of state. You can have only one residence for voting. Withdraw your Colorado registration on the Secretary of State website. You can also mail the withdrawal form to your county clerk. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Voter Registration FAQsAfter You Arrive in Tennessee
Get a Tennessee driver license within 30 days
Get your Tennessee license no later than 30 days after you establish residency. Go to a full-service Driver Services Center. Surrender your out-of-state license there, because Tennessee does not let a resident hold two licenses. You take a vision screening. If your old license expired more than six months ago, you also take the knowledge and road tests.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety, New ResidentsBring original documents to the Driver Services Center
Bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence and one proof of your Social Security number. Also bring two proofs of Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within four months. Photocopies are not accepted. You can upload the documents online first for pre-approval. Allow up to five business days for that.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety, New ResidentsTitle and register your vehicle at the county clerk within 30 days
Register your vehicle within 30 days of the move. Apply for the title and registration at the county clerk in the county where you live. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your most current out-of-state registration. If you have a loan, bring the lender name and address. If you do not, bring your out-of-state title.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Initial RegistrationBring proof of citizenship or lawful presence from January 1, 2027
From January 1, 2027, Tenn. Code Ann. 55-4-144 adds a document to initial registrations of certain vehicles. You must show that you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or lawfully present for a set period. The Department of Revenue lists the accepted documents. Check the list before your county clerk visit.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Initial RegistrationCarry at least 25/50/25 liability insurance
Tennessee requires at least $25,000 for each injury or death and $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in one accident. It also requires $25,000 for property damage. The state checks insurance electronically. Uninsured drivers can get fines and lose their vehicle registration.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Financial Responsibility LawRegister to vote at least 30 days before an election
You must be registered no later than 30 days before the election. A mailed form counts if it is postmarked at least 30 days before. Register online, or mail the form to your county election commission. You can also register when you get your license.
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, How to Register to VoteYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 1,275 miles (~23 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Tennessee DMV, register to vote in TN, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Colorado
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
Tennessee
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Colorado
Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Colorado to Tennessee?
The driving distance from Colorado to Tennessee is approximately 1,275 miles — about 23 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Colorado to Tennessee?
A professional interstate move from Colorado to Tennessee typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Colorado and Tennessee?
Colorado has a cost of living index of 101.8 versus 88.9 for Tennessee (US average = 100).
- Overall, Tennessee is about 13% lower than Colorado.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Tennessee?
After establishing residency in Tennessee, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Tennessee DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Tennessee DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- The annual average temperature is 59°F, with about 55 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $143.