($1,145) Moving from Chicago to Knoxville

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Knoxville costs $480 to $5,328 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 539-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Knoxville to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Knoxville moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Knoxville is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Knoxville.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Knoxville?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,145 - $3,347 $709 - $1,673 $454 - $894
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,223 - $5,328 $1,255 - $2,480 $480 - $1,051
4+ bedrooms $3,749 - $8,302 $1,794 - $3,225 $628 - $1,206
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 539 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Knoxville

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Knoxville can be as low as $1,145 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,094.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $454 to $1,064. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Knoxville?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Knoxville will cost between $1,145 to $3,347. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,223 to $5,328, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Knoxville will cost from $3,749 to $8,302.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Knoxville?

Moving containers from Chicago to Knoxville will cost you $709 to $1,673 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,255 to $2,480. A larger home will cost $1,794 to $3,225.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Knoxville?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $454 to $894. A larger move will cost $480 to $1,051, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Knoxville costs from $628 to $1,206. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Knoxville

Cost of living: Chicago vs Knoxville

Chicago Knoxville
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,767
Average home value $306,098 $339,962
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $59,254
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,988
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,712
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.7%
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.25%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Knoxville are 11% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Knoxville are 11.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Knoxville is 9.7% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 98.6% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 31.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 47.78% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Knoxville are 9.76% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Knoxville are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,958.04 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Knoxville?

Knoxville Chicago
Population 190,740 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 31 77
Bike friendliness score 30 72
Crime Index 43.54 35.19
Safety Index 56.46 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
  • Knoxville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Knoxville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Knoxville is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 43.54 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 43.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 56.46 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Knoxville

  • Weather: Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Knoxville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Knoxville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Marble City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Knoxville.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Alcoa
  • Maryville
  • Seymour
  • Lenoir City
  • Louisville
  • Eagleton Village
  • Loudon

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Maryville
  • Alcoa
  • Louisville
  • Loudon
  • Clinton

What to do in Knoxville

These are some of the best things to do in your new Tennessee home.

  • Sunsphere
  • Zoo Knoxville
  • Navitat Knoxville
  • Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Historic Homes of Knoxville
  • Star of Knoxville Riverboat
  • Three Rivers Rambler
  • Maple Hall
  • Volunteer Princess

Get your sports on!

Knoxville is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Knoxville?

The best time to move from Chicago to Knoxville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Knoxville?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Knoxville take?

The 539-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN, takes one-six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.

Helpful moving resources