($1,053) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Knoxville

When planning a move to Knoxville from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,053 and $2,924. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,868 and $4,900 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,448 to $7,784.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Knoxville

When you’re heading from Chicago to Knoxville, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $659 and $1,668. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,202 and $2,445. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,650 to $3,178. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Knoxville

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Knoxville is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $417 to $807. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $459 to $919, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Knoxville costs around $561 to $1,164.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 12% less expensive in Knoxville than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 18% steeper in Knoxville compared to Chicago.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 15% less in Knoxville than in Chicago.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Knoxville. The cost of living for a single person there is 40% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Knoxville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 44% lower compared to Chicago.
• Knoxville has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 48%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Knoxville compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• 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.

• Knoxville’s population is about 93% less than Chicago.
• Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Knoxville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Knoxville’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.54 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Knoxville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.46 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Knoxville are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• 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.

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.