Chattanooga to Knoxville Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville, TN is $119 - $4,498 for the ~112-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Good Guys Moving & Delivery, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 245 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $99/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Chattanooga
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Chattanooga to Knoxville are regulated by Tennessee law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Tennessee companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Chattanooga to Knoxville moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 70+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Expect to spend between $119 and $4,498* on a Chattanooga to Knoxville move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $636 - $4,498
- Moving containers: $694 - $2,006
- Rental trucks: $119 - $235
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $636 - $2,936 | $694 - $1,236 | $119 - $185 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,129 - $3,619 | $917 - $1,582 | $124 - $230 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,628 - $4,498 | $1,140 - $2,006 | $157 - $235 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 70+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Chattanooga, TN movers.
How Chattanooga to Knoxville moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $99 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,188.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 33% of Chattanooga movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville is a job for local and regional Tennessee movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Good Guys Moving & Delivery leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 245 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Local movers operating within Tennessee know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5 stars): 93.9% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars): 76.0% positive customer ratings.
- All Out Moving & Storage (4.42/5 stars): 84.9% positive customer ratings.
- Elizabeth's Moving & Storage (4.38/5 stars): 92.6% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.34/5 stars): 88.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 6 movers in Chattanooga, drawing on 1,898 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Tennessee moving resources
How does Knoxville compare to Chattanooga?
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $259,125 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,028 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Chattanooga and Knoxville comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 70+ Tennessee moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 22% higher than in Chattanooga. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 22% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 18% lower than Chattanooga. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Knoxville is 16% lower than Chattanooga. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Knoxville is 34% lower than Chattanooga. The savings typically free up 34% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Knoxville is 20% higher than Chattanooga. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Knoxville runs 16% lower than Chattanooga. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville and Chattanooga match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,980 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Knoxville might look different from Chattanooga in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 6" |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 42.54 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Tennessee can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 44% of movers in Tennessee, vs 33% nationally).
- Knoxville has a similar population to Chattanooga. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
- In the last presidential election, both Chattanooga and Knoxville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Knoxville (88°F) match Chattanooga (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Chattanooga (28°F) and Knoxville (28°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Chattanooga (51 inches) and Knoxville (50 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Chattanooga (2 inches) and Knoxville (6 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Knoxville (42.54) is lower than Chattanooga (53.89). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Knoxville
Knoxville's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Knoxville
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- East Tennesse Historical Society
- Muse Knoxville
- Old Smoky Railway Museum
- Art Market Gallery
Parks in Knoxville
- Lakeshore Park
- World's Fair Park
- Krutch Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
- Volunteer Landing Park
Sports teams in Knoxville
- Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Universities in Knoxville
- South College
- The University of Tennessee
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Johnson University
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
Final verdict: Chattanooga to Knoxville movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service. For smaller moves, Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.58/5) is the top local choice, with 93.9% positive reviews across 245 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $119 - $4,498, based on our analysis of 70+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 33% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
The cheapest time to move to Knoxville is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Knoxville cost $481 - $1,183 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $917 - $1,582, and a larger home costs $1,140 - $2,006.
How many movers in Chattanooga offer labor-only help?
67% of movers in Chattanooga offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Is moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville considered a long-distance move?
A move from Chattanooga to Knoxville is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Tennessee law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
