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

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Quick answer: Moving from Chesapeake to Knoxville typically costs $2,200–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 538 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 Chesapeake to Knoxville

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,200–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 538-mile move from Chesapeake 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 $1,300 - $4,000
  • Moving Container $1,100 - $1,900
  • Rental Truck $500 - $900
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,200 - $5,800
  • Moving Container $1,500 - $2,800
  • Rental Truck $500 - $1,100
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $4,000 - $8,100
  • Moving Container $1,800 - $3,500
  • Rental Truck $600 - $1,300

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • United Van Lines recently quoted $4,628 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
  • Allied Van Lines recently quoted $5,950 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
  • AB Moving recently quoted $3,646 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
Camptown, VA Maynardville, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 17, 2026
Allied Van Lines
Southampton Meadows, VA Rockford, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 13, 2026
AB Moving
Hampton, VA Philadelphia, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 29, 2026
Mayflower Transit
Poquoson, VA Caryville, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 10, 2026
1-800-Pack-Rat
Portsmouth, VA Louisville, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 09, 2026
PODS
Smithfield, VA Oakdale, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 08, 2026
North American Van Lines
Bethel Manor, VA Lake City, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 25, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Dendron, VA Gatlinburg, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 03, 2025
BLVD Moving
Suffolk, VA Tellico Village, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Nov 26, 2025
American Van Lines
Windsor, VA Harriman, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Nov 25, 2025

Factors that affect moving costs from Chesapeake to Knoxville

Your total cost will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Knoxville may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,100.
  • The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chesapeake.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

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

Best Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Knoxville

Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Knoxville

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about 16% higher for singles and 42% higher for families than Chesapeake.

Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $1,882 in Chesapeake; families pay $5,200 compared with $3,656.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Chesapeake Knoxville
Average 1 BR rent $1,775 $1,667
Average 3 BR rent $2,250 $3,210
Average home value $375,209 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $61,050
Cost of living (single) $1,882 $2,184
Cost of living (family of four) $3,656 $5,200
Unemployment rate 5.0% 4.7%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.25%
State income tax 5.75% 0.0%
  • Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Knoxville from Chesapeake with rent being about the same in each state.
  • Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 7% cheaper in Knoxville than in Chesapeake.
  • There's good news: the average income differences between Knoxville and Chesapeake are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
  • Prepare for elevated costs in Knoxville, with the cost of living for a single person being 16% more than in Chesapeake. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
  • When considering a family move to Knoxville, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 42% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • Knoxville has a lower unemployment rate than Chesapeake by about 6%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
  • Sales taxes in Knoxville surpass those in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake versus Knoxville:

Living Expense Chesapeake Knoxville
Basic utilities $302.50 $215.94
Cell phone plan $53.67 $54.00
Dozen eggs $3.36 $4.06
Loaf of bread $4.17 $3.64
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $13.00 $18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $70.00 $85.00
Gym membership $43.00 $34.67
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • Bread is more expensive in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Chesapeake than in Knoxville.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Knoxville

Chesapeake Knoxville
Population 249,422 190,740
Transportation score 2 4
Walkability score 21 31
Bike friendliness score 35 30
Crime index 25.0 42.54
Safety index 70.88 57.46
Air quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 24% less than Chesapeake.
  • Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Chesapeake's score of 2.
  • Knoxville is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 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 Chesapeake, which has a score of 35.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 42.54 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 57.46 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Chesapeake it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Knoxville?

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

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

Want to save on your move from Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Knoxville take?

The 538-mile move from Chesapeake, VA, to Knoxville, TN, takes one to six days. Some Chesapeake movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.

What kinds of discounts do Chesapeake movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chesapeake?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 17 movers in Chesapeake provide piano moving services. 10 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.