Moving from Nashville to Knoxville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Knoxville costs between $233 to $6,044 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 179-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Nashville to Knoxville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Nashville to Knoxville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Nashville 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 179 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,543 - $4,793 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,155 - $2,202 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $244 - $448 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 6th Man Movers | $120/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 Nashville to Knoxville?
It costs between $233 to $6,044 to move from Nashville to Knoxville. The prices below break down your 179-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $974 - $6,044
- Moving containers: $952 - $2,519
- Rental trucks: $233 - $542
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $974 - $3,880 | $952 - $1,486 | $233 - $404 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,543 - $4,793 | $1,155 - $2,202 | $244 - $448 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,086 - $6,044 | $1,538 - $2,519 | $305 - $542 |
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 | $315 - $2,625+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $210 - $840 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $210 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Nashville to Knoxville
At 179 miles, your Nashville 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 Nashville to Knoxville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 179 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Nashville to Knoxville. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 79.3% of their 58 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville to Nashville guide.
Considerations when moving from Nashville to Knoxville
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Knoxville
The cost of living in Nashville vs. Knoxville isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Knoxville compares to what you’re used to in Nashville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Nashville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,971 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $382,847 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,197 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.75% | 9.25% |
- Rent in Knoxville is about 9% cheaper than in Nashville. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 44% lower than in Nashville. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Knoxville is 32% lower than in Nashville, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 30% lower than in Nashville, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 38% lower in Knoxville than in Nashville. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is the same as in Nashville, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Knoxville and Nashville, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Nashville, you’ll need about $2,100 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Knoxville.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Knoxville
Before you move, check out how life in Knoxville measures up to Nashville. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Nashville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 42.54 |
Knoxville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Knoxville has roughly 72% fewer people than Nashville. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Nashville and Knoxville supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both Knoxville and Nashville have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Nashville and Knoxville—with winter lows around 27°F and 28°F.
- Both Nashville and Knoxville see similar yearly rainfall—Nashville averages 49 inches, while Knoxville gets 50 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Nashville and Knoxville, averaging 4 and 6 inches each year.
- Knoxville posts a lower crime rate than Nashville, with a crime index of 42.54 compared to Nashville’s 49.1.
Things to do in Knoxville
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Knoxville has plenty to offer:
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 Nashville to Knoxville?
Shipping furniture from Nashville to Knoxville with a moving company typically costs between $817 and $3,192. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,543 to $4,793. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,086 and $6,044 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Nashville to Knoxville?
If you’re planning a move from Nashville to Knoxville and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $627 and $1,495. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,155 to $2,202. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,538 to $2,519.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Knoxville?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $221 and $404. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $244 and $448. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Nashville to Knoxville, truck rentals usually range from $305 up to $542.
How far in advance should I book Nashville-to-Knoxville movers?
To make your move from Nashville to Knoxville as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
The cheapest time of year to move to Knoxville is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
