Why In-N-Out Is Moving to Tennessee—And What It Means for Your Wallet
In-N-Out Burger is expanding with a new co-headquarters in Tennessee. Learn what this move means for employees, how it reflects larger corporate trends, and how much a relocation like this could actually save.
In-N-Out Burger is officially expanding beyond California, announcing plans to open a new co-headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. The iconic fast-food chain will maintain operations in Irvine, but the shift reflects a larger trend among U.S. companies seeking lower costs, more flexibility, and fewer regulatory burdens. Why In-N-Out is moving to Tennessee—and what it means for your wallet—is a key part of a growing national conversation about relocation, business incentives, and employee well-being.
CEO Lynsi Snyder explained the reasoning behind the move, citing the difficulty of raising a family in California and the lifestyle and cost advantages offered by Tennessee. “This expansion is not a goodbye to California, but a hello to opportunities in Tennessee and beyond,” she said.
Cost Comparison: Irvine, CA vs. Franklin, TN
Median Home Price
Irvine, CA: ~$1.58M (Zillow)
Franklin, TN: ~$920K (Zillow)
State Income Tax
Irvine, CA: ~9.3% for middle-income earners
Franklin, TN: 0%
Gas (Per Gallon)
Irvine, CA: ~$4.48 (TAIT Report)
Franklin, TN: ~$3.35 (Way.com)
Groceries & Overall Cost of Living
Franklin’s overall cost of living is ~23.5% lower than Irvine (BestPlaces.net)
Commute Time (Average)
Irvine, CA: ~47 mins (Redfin)
Franklin, TN: Regional average ~28 mins
These differences can result in savings of $15,000 to $25,000 per year for mid-level employees, depending on their lifestyle and housing choices.
Corporate Relocations Are Accelerating
In-N-Out isn’t alone. More companies are expanding or moving their headquarters to more affordable regions:
KFC is relocating its U.S. headquarters to Plano, Texas to consolidate operations and attract broader talent.
Oracle announced a new global headquarters in Nashville, continuing its shift away from traditional coastal hubs.
These moves are driven by cost, access to talent, and a business environment that includes less regulation—meaning:
Simpler labor laws and fewer employer mandates
Easier business licensing and zoning approval
Less restrictive environmental compliance
Lower reporting and compliance costs
This environment gives growing companies the flexibility to operate more efficiently while offering employees a better quality of life.
What Employees Should Know Before Moving
While company leadership focuses on strategy and scale, individual employees must consider the personal and financial impact of relocation. Key questions to ask include:
Can I afford to buy or rent in the new city?
Will my take-home pay improve with lower taxes?
How will my cost of living change across categories like groceries, transportation, and healthcare?
Will my family benefit from local schools, commute times, and lifestyle?
At City Shift Finance, we specialize in helping individuals understand the full financial impact of relocation. Our custom reports compare cities across taxes, housing, schools, and more—giving people clarity before making a major decision.
A Strategic Move with Real-Life Consequences
Why In-N-Out is moving to Tennessee is more than a corporate headline—it’s a signal that affordability, flexibility, and lifestyle are now business priorities. And for employees, it represents a personal decision that could impact everything from savings to homeownership.
Lynsi Snyder said it best: “We see this as a chance to grow while staying true to our values—supporting our people, wherever they are.”
Whether you’re relocating for work, affordability, or a fresh start, understanding the financial reality behind your move can make all the difference.
Get a Personalized Relocation Snapshot
At City Shift Finance, we help people move smarter. With our custom reports, you’ll see how your current city compares to your next one—from taxes and housing to childcare, insurance, and beyond.
