Knoxville, TN to Richmond, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Richmond typically costs $2,200–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 435 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Knoxville to Richmond
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Richmond, VA typically costs $2,200–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 435-mile move from Knoxville to Richmond, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,887 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,478 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,373 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 24, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Knoxville to Richmond
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Knoxville to Richmond may only cost $1,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,600.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Knoxville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Best Knoxville to Richmond movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Knoxville to Richmond
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Knoxville to Richmond. 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.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TN→VA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 71 Tennessee 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 Knoxville to Richmond
Overall, Knoxville and Richmond land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,270 in Richmond and $2,184 in Knoxville, while families in Richmond see $5,336 versus $5,200 in Knoxville.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Knoxville | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $1,537 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $2,539 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $59,606 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 11% less expensive in Richmond than in Knoxville, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Richmond and Knoxville, 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 Richmond and Knoxville are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Richmond and Knoxville, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Richmond and Knoxville remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Richmond has a higher unemployment rate than Knoxville by about 51%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 35% cheaper in Richmond compared to Knoxville. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Virginia has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Knoxville versus Richmond:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $4.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $59.72 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- Eggs are less expensive in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- Bread costs less in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Knoxville than in Richmond.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Richmond.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Richmond
| Knoxville | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 226,610 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 51 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 48.45 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 51.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Richmond's population is about 19% greater than Knoxville.
- Richmond's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Knoxville's score of 4.
- Richmond is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Knoxville's 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 51 out of 100, Richmond is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Richmond's crime rate is higher than Knoxville with a score of 48.45 compared to Knoxville's 42.54. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Richmond is considered to be less safe than Knoxville with a score of 51.55 vs Knoxville's 57.46.
- Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Knoxville it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville to Richmond 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, 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 Richmond. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Richmond
With your sights set on Capital of the South, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Richmond.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Monroe Ward
- The Fan District
- The Museum District
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue
- Byrd Park
- Museum District
- Three Chopt
- Westover Hills
Things to do in Richmond
With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Richmond. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Richmond is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square 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 Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Richmond?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Knoxville to Richmond. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Richmond?
Want to save on your move from Knoxville to Richmond? 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 Knoxville to Richmond take?
The 435-mile move from Knoxville, TN, to Richmond, VA, takes one to four days. Some Knoxville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Richmond.
What kinds of discounts do Knoxville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Knoxville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Knoxville provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
