Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga costs $149–$5,213, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 111-mile route within Tennessee take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 111-mile move:
Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga costs between $149 and $5,213, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 111-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,364–$4,277 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,073–$1,891 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $156–$256 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $113/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 71+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
Expect to spend between $149 and $5,213 on a Knoxville to Chattanooga move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 111-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $745–$5,213
- Moving containers: $854–$2,231
- Rental trucks: $149–$272
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 111 miles 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 | $745–$3,335 | $854–$1,419 | $149–$224 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,364–$4,277 | $1,073–$1,891 | $156–$256 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,887–$5,213 | $1,376–$2,231 | $177–$272 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 71+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Knoxville to Chattanooga move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Knoxville to Chattanooga move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $113/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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 Knoxville to Chattanooga
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Knoxville to Chattanooga, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 111 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Knoxville to Chattanooga. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Tennessee, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 111 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to Knoxville guide.
How does Chattanooga compare to Knoxville?
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Chattanooga
A cost-of-living comparison between Knoxville and Chattanooga covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Chattanooga compares to Knoxville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Knoxville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,475 |
| Average home cost | $213,473 | $259,125 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,994 | $61,028 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.6% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Knoxville and Chattanooga comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Chattanooga is 18% lower than Knoxville. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Chattanooga are 21% higher than Knoxville. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Salaries in Chattanooga average 20% higher than Knoxville. Use local salary data, not Knoxville comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 51% higher in Chattanooga than Knoxville. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Chattanooga is 16% lower than Knoxville. The discount typically lands on housing and childcare, the two largest line items.
- Unemployment in Chattanooga is 19% higher than Knoxville. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga and Knoxville match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Knoxville, you'd need about $4,530 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Chattanooga
A comparison of life in Knoxville and Chattanooga covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Knoxville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 181,099 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Republican 53.8-44.1 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 2" |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 53.89 |
- Population is similar across Chattanooga and Knoxville. The differences worth weighing are economic and cultural, not demographic.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Knoxville and Chattanooga leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Chattanooga (89°F) and Knoxville (88°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Knoxville (28°F) and Chattanooga (28°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Knoxville (50 inches) and Chattanooga (51 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Knoxville (6 inches) and Chattanooga (2 inches) is comparable. Winter budgets and habits don't require adjustment.
- Crime index in Chattanooga (53.89) runs higher than Knoxville (42.54). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Chattanooga
Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Coker Museum - Honest Charley
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Museum
Parks in Chattanooga
- Coolidge Park Tennessee
- Riverpark Ross's Landing Park
- Enterprise South Nature Park
- Chickamauga Dam
- Tennessee River Park
Sports teams in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
Universities in Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Tennessee Temple University
- University of Tennessee -College of Medicine
- Richmont Graduate University
Final verdict: best movers from Knoxville to Chattanooga
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Knoxville to Chattanooga, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $149–$5,213 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
A move from Knoxville to Chattanooga with a professional moving company costs $687–$2,980 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,364 up to $4,277. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,887–$5,213 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Chattanooga cost $609–$1,330 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,073–$1,891. A larger home costs $1,376–$2,231.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
A rental moving truck from Knoxville to Chattanooga costs $145–$226 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $156–$256, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $177 and $272.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Chattanooga movers?
Lock in your movers for a Knoxville to Chattanooga move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chattanooga?
The best deals on a move to Chattanooga fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
