Moving from Memphis to Knoxville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Knoxville costs between $406 to $8,742 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 390-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Memphis to Knoxville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Memphis to Knoxville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Memphis to driving and unloading in Knoxville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 390 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,103 - $6,070 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,362 - $2,500 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $446 - $903 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Cord Moving and Storage | $125/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to Knoxville?
It costs between $406 to $8,742 to move from Memphis to Knoxville. The prices below break down your 390-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,276 - $8,742
- Moving containers: $1,065 - $3,257
- Rental trucks: $406 - $1,159
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,276 - $4,545 | $1,065 - $1,987 | $406 - $792 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,103 - $6,070 | $1,362 - $2,500 | $446 - $903 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,725 - $8,742 | $1,878 - $3,257 | $595 - $1,159 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $258 - $2,150+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $45/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $172 - $688 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $43 - $172 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Memphis to Knoxville
At 390 miles, your Memphis to Knoxville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Memphis to Knoxville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 390 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
The Armstrong Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Memphis to Knoxville. They've been in business since 1957 (69 years of experience) and 91.1% of their 213 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville to Memphis guide.
Considerations when moving from Memphis to Knoxville
Cost of living: Memphis vs. Knoxville
The cost of living in Memphis vs. Knoxville goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Knoxville stacks up against Memphis.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Memphis | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $154,209 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,211 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 38% higher than in Memphis. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 38% higher than in Memphis. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- Income is similar in Memphis and Knoxville, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- The cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 19% higher than in Memphis, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Knoxville? Get ready for living expenses to be about 18% higher than in Memphis. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Knoxville is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 41% lower than in Memphis, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Knoxville and Memphis, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Memphis, expect to budget around $3,570 to maintain the same lifestyle in Knoxville.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Knoxville
As you plan your move, comparing life in Memphis vs. Knoxville is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Memphis and Knoxville to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Memphis | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 54" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 6" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 42.54 |
Knoxville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Knoxville is about 70% less populated than Memphis. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- In the last presidential election, Knoxville voted Republican and Memphis voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Knoxville and Memphis are nearly identical, with averages around 88°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Memphis and Knoxville experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 30°F and 28°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Memphis to Knoxville. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 54 inches in Memphis and 50 inches in Knoxville.
- Both Memphis and Knoxville receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Memphis averaging 3 inches and Knoxville seeing 6 inches.
- Knoxville has a lower crime rate than Memphis, with a crime index of 42.54 vs 77.49.
Things to do in Knoxville
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Knoxville has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Memphis to Knoxville?
Moving your furniture from Memphis to Knoxville with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,195 to $3,711. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,103 and $6,070. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,725 to $8,742 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Knoxville?
If you’re moving from Memphis to Knoxville and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $776 to $1,730. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,362 and $2,500. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,878 to $3,257.
How much is a moving truck from Memphis to Knoxville?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $436 and $761. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $446 to $903. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Memphis to Knoxville, rental prices generally fall between $595 and $1,159.
How far in advance should I book Memphis-to-Knoxville movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Memphis to Knoxville at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Memphis-to-Knoxville movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
If you want to save money on your move to Knoxville, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
