Lafayette, LA to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Lafayette to Knoxville typically costs $2,400–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 709 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Lafayette to Knoxville
Moving from Lafayette, LA to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,400–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 709-mile move from Lafayette to Knoxville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,359 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,459 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,651 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Lafayette to Knoxville move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,800 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Lafayette.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $600 to $1,600, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Lafayette, LA guide.
Best Lafayette to Knoxville movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Lafayette to Knoxville
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Lafayette to Knoxville much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 LA→TN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 32 Louisiana movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about 22% higher for singles and 24% higher for families than Lafayette.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $1,785 in Lafayette; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,208.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lafayette | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,200 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,725 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $214,264 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,785 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,208 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.45% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Lafayette to Knoxville, expect to find rent about 36% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Knoxville are about 63% higher than those in Lafayette.
- In terms of average income, Knoxville and Lafayette are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Knoxville, as living costs for a single person are 22% higher than in Lafayette. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Knoxville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 24% higher than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 19% lower than in Lafayette. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Knoxville and Lafayette (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Lafayette and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Lafayette | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $52.00 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.99 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $76.11 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.33 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lafayette than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Knoxville
| Lafayette | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,374 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 30 |
| Crime index | 45.75 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 54.25 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 57% greater than Lafayette.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Lafayette's score of 3.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 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 Lafayette, which has a score of 47.
- Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 42.54 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Lafayette with a safety index of 57.46 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Lafayette it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Knoxville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Knoxville
Planning your move to Marble City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Knoxville?
Planning your move from Lafayette to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from Lafayette to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Lafayette to Knoxville take?
The 709-mile journey from Lafayette, LA to Knoxville, TN, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lafayette offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Knoxville.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Lafayette?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Lafayette, 2 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Louisiana has 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
