($409+) Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $400 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,610 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 493 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,255, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,610 or more.
- Moving containers run $982 - $2,990, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $400 - $1,147.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Pittsburgh, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,108 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving options from Knoxville to Pittsburgh fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,108 - $5,604 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 493-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 493-mile route from Knoxville to Pittsburgh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,255 - $3,879 | $982 - $1,705 | $400 - $740 | $839 - $1,598 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,108 - $5,604 | $1,220 - $2,353 | $477 - $933 | $1,057 - $2,037 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,028 - $8,610 | $1,589 - $2,990 | $554 - $1,147 | $1,379 - $2,516 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service movers for the 493-mile relocation from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,255 and $8,610. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $276 - $1,840, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Knoxville typically charge a base rate around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $3,879
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,108 - $5,604
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,028 - $8,610
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Knoxville to Pittsburgh.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Pittsburgh, 73% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $460 - $4,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $184 - $1,104/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $276 - $2,208 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $920 - $2,760 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,300 - $9,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $689 - $1,309 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $920 - $2,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $736 - $3,220 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $276 - $1,380 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $598 - $1,840 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $276 - $13,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $276 - $3,220+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
All three below meet the standards set by the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, the group most Pennsylvania movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Knoxville, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh with a local mover averages $2,213 - $5,884. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Knoxville, TN can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Knoxville, based on our analysis of feedback from 243 customers, 91.8% of which is positive.
Address: 1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN, 37909 | Founded: 1887
Moving container costs from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $982 and $2,990. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Knoxville runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $982 - $1,705
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,589 - $2,990
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $644 in Knoxville, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $138 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Pittsburgh, PA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $982. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,220 - $2,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Knoxville to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Knoxville:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Renting a moving truck for the 493-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, costs between $400 and $1,147, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $144 - $165
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Knoxville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Knoxville to Pittsburgh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $400 - $740
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $477 - $933
- 4+ bedrooms: $554 - $1,147
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $400 - $1,147 when pricing out a rental truck from Knoxville to Pittsburgh. Fuel alone runs ($144 - $165) , and overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $144 - $165 for the 493-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $644.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 493-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $138 per night, adding $276 - $414 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $276.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $828 and $2,037.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $839 - $1,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,057 - $2,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,516
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $69 and $138.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $644.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (4.26/5 stars): Hittman Transport Services, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Knoxville, TN vs Pittsburgh, PA
Day-to-day costs in Pittsburgh are close to what you're used to in Knoxville: cost of living index of 92 versus 92, with average rent of $1,500/mo compared to $1,795/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 31/100 and 57.46/100 in Knoxville versus 62/100 and 62.26/100 in Pittsburgh.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 70 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 493-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 493-mile route from Knoxville, TN, to Pittsburgh, PA, run $1,255 - $8,610 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $982 - $2,990, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $400 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,108, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UPMC and The PNC Financial Services Group.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Pittsburgh, PA
What do local movers charge in Knoxville?
Local movers based in Knoxville typically start around $170 as a base rate, plus $113/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Pittsburgh run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What are the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh?
For families, Brookline, Highland Park, and Point Breeze are worth a look in Pittsburgh. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenfield, and Oakland tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 55, compared to 31 and 30 in Knoxville. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Pittsburgh a safe place to live?
Pittsburgh has a safety index of 62.26 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.74, compared to 57.46 and 42.54 in Knoxville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
