Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Knoxville typically costs $2,100–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 434 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Richmond to Knoxville

Moving from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,100–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 434-mile move from Richmond to Knoxville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,100 - $3,900
  • Moving Container $1,000 - $1,800
  • Rental Truck $400 - $700
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,100 - $5,600
  • Moving Container $1,300 - $2,700
  • Rental Truck $500 - $1,000
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,500 - $7,400
  • Moving Container $1,800 - $3,300
  • Rental Truck $600 - $1,200

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • United Van Lines recently quoted $6,497 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
  • American Van Lines recently quoted $4,433 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
  • Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,835 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
United Van Lines
East Highland Park, VA Sweetwater, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 18, 2026
American Van Lines
Hopewell, VA Pigeon Forge, TN
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 08, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Rockwood, VA Vonore, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 06, 2026
BLVD Moving
Waverly, VA Norris, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 31, 2026
Safeway Moving
Short Pump, VA Kingston, TN
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 13, 2026
Mayzlin Relocation
Glen Allen, VA Caryville, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 26, 2025
AB Moving
Bon Air, VA New Market, TN
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 16, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Petersburg, VA Harriman, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 12, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Chester, VA Sevierville, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 07, 2025
Roadway Moving
Tuckahoe, VA Lake City, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025

Factors that affect moving costs from Richmond to Knoxville

Your total cost will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Richmond to Knoxville may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,400.
  • The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Richmond.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Richmond, VA guide.

Best Richmond to Knoxville movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Richmond to Knoxville

Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Richmond to Knoxville. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best VA→TN movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 103 Virginia moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
  • Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Richmond to Knoxville

Overall, Richmond and Knoxville land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.

Singles average $2,184 in Knoxville and $2,270 in Richmond, while families in Knoxville see $5,200 versus $5,336 in Richmond.

Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:

Richmond Knoxville
Average 1 BR rent $1,537 $1,667
Average 3 BR rent $2,539 $3,210
Average home value $350,897 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $59,606 $61,050
Cost of living (single) $2,270 $2,184
Cost of living (family of four) $5,336 $5,200
Unemployment rate 7.1% 4.7%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.25%
State income tax 5.75% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 13% more expensive in Knoxville than in Richmond. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
  • With home prices differing by less than 5% between Knoxville and Richmond, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there's a change in your housing needs.
  • There's good news: the average income differences between Knoxville and Richmond are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
  • As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Knoxville and Richmond, you likely won't feel a significant change.
  • The cost of living for a family between Knoxville and Richmond remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
  • Knoxville has a lower unemployment rate than Richmond by about 34%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
  • Sales taxes in Knoxville surpass those in Richmond by 54%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
  • Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Richmond versus Knoxville:

Living Expense Richmond Knoxville
Basic utilities $148.21 $215.94
Cell phone plan $51.67 $54.00
Dozen eggs $4.95 $4.06
Loaf of bread $3.66 $3.64
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $20.00 $18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $100.00 $85.00
Gym membership $59.72 $34.67
  • Basic utilities cost less in Richmond than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Richmond than in Knoxville.
  • Eggs cost more in Richmond than in Knoxville.
  • Bread is more expensive in Richmond than in Knoxville.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Richmond than in Knoxville.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Richmond than in Knoxville.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Richmond than in Knoxville.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Knoxville

Richmond Knoxville
Population 226,610 190,740
Transportation score 7 4
Walkability score 51 31
Bike friendliness score 51 30
Crime index 48.45 42.54
Safety index 51.55 57.46
Air quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 16% less than Richmond.
  • Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Richmond's score of 7.
  • Knoxville is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51 out of 100.
  • Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Richmond, which has a score of 51.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Richmond with a score of 42.54 compared to Richmond's 48.45. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be safer than Richmond with a safety index of 57.46 vs Richmond's 51.55.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Richmond it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Richmond to Knoxville move

  • HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
  • Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Knoxville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Knoxville

With your sights set on Marble City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Knoxville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Alcoa
  • Maryville
  • Seymour
  • Lenoir City
  • Louisville
  • Eagleton Village
  • Loudon

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Maryville
  • Alcoa
  • Louisville
  • Loudon
  • Clinton

Things to do in Knoxville

With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Knoxville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

  • Arts and culture: Knoxville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Lakeshore Park, World's Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Richmond to Knoxville?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Richmond to Knoxville. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Richmond.

When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Knoxville?

Want to save on your move from Richmond to Knoxville? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Richmond to Knoxville take?

The 434-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Knoxville, TN, takes one to four days. Some Richmond movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Richmond?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 13 movers in Richmond provide piano moving services. 12 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.