Memphis to Knoxville Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Memphis to Knoxville, TN (~390 miles) costs between $365 and $7,321, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as The Armstrong Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 213 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $125/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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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 Memphis to Knoxville?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Memphis 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 The Armstrong Company (4.56/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5). 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 Memphis to Knoxville moves complete in 1 - 4 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 Memphis to Knoxville?
Movers typically charge between $365 and $7,321* for a Memphis to Knoxville move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $1,112 - $7,321
- Moving containers: $900 - $2,837
- Rental trucks: $365 - $943
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,112 - $4,080 | $900 - $1,648 | $365 - $670 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,025 - $5,498 | $1,247 - $2,179 | $389 - $827 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,996 - $7,321 | $1,636 - $2,837 | $489 - $943 |
*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 Memphis, TN movers.
How Memphis to Knoxville moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $125 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 $1,500.
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. 29% of Memphis 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 29% of Memphis movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Spyder Moving and Storage |
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 Memphis to Knoxville
Moving from Memphis 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. The Armstrong Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 213 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Memphis 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:
- The Armstrong Company (4.56/5 stars): 91.1% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 stars): 78.0% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5 stars): 63.3% positive customer ratings.
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.44/5 stars): 90.0% positive customer ratings.
- Guardian Moving Systems (4.48/5 stars): 88.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 7 movers in Memphis, drawing on 1,529 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Memphis 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 Memphis, TN
Memphis 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 Memphis?
Cost of living: Memphis 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.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Memphis 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 38% higher than in Memphis. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 38% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 38% higher than Memphis. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Knoxville matches Memphis. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Knoxville is 19% higher than Memphis. Plan to add roughly 19% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Knoxville is 18% higher than Memphis. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Knoxville runs 41% lower than Memphis. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville and Memphis match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,570 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Knoxville
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Knoxville might look different from Memphis in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
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 is 70% smaller in size than Memphis. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Knoxville voted Republican and Memphis voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Knoxville (88°F) match Memphis (91°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Memphis (30°F) and Knoxville (28°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Memphis (54 inches) and Knoxville (50 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Memphis (3 inches) and Knoxville (6 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Knoxville (42.54) is lower than Memphis (77.49). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Knoxville
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Knoxville. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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: Memphis 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, The Armstrong Company (4.56/5) is the top local choice, with 91.1% positive reviews across 213 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $365 - $7,321, based on our analysis of 70+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Memphis to Knoxville
Is moving from Memphis to Knoxville considered a long-distance move?
A move from Memphis 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.
How long does a move from Memphis to Knoxville take?
Most moves from Memphis to Knoxville take 1 - 4 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How many movers in Memphis offer labor-only help?
57% of movers in Memphis offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Do movers in Tennessee offer storage?
83% of movers in Tennessee offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
