($700+) Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $700 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,314 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,037 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,259, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,314 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,195 - $3,802, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $700 - $1,885.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,666 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 Austin, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Knoxville to Austin: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,666 - $6,009. Containers cost roughly 47% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,037 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,037-mile route from Knoxville to Austin, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,259 for a studio up to $8,314 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,195 - $3,802 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $700 - $1,885, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,076 - $3,072, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX
For the 1,037-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,259 and $8,314. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $320 - $2,136 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Knoxville generally start around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,259 - $4,990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,666 - $6,009
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,263 - $8,314
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 Austin.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 76% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $534 - $5,340 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready76% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $214 - $1,282/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,563 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs71% of local movers | $1,068 - $3,204 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,670 - $10,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $800 - $1,520 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Carey Moving & Storage | $1,068 - $2,670 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $854 - $3,738 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $320 - $1,602 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $694 - $2,136 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $16,020+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,738+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Austin?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Knoxville, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,195 and $3,802. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Knoxville typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $2,225
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,419 - $2,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,956 - $3,802
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 $748 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 $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $160 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 Austin, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Texas 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 $1,195. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,419 - $2,857.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville to Austin?
- 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:
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,037 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Austin, Texas, running $700 - $1,885. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $352 - $403
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $700 - $1,278
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $756 - $1,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $949 - $1,885
Pro tip: A rental truck from Knoxville to Austin looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $700 - $1,885. But once you factor in fuel ($352 - $403), overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $748.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $352 - $403 for the 1,037-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $347, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night for hotel stops on the 1,037-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $320 - $481.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
For larger DIY moves from Knoxville, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Austin, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,171 and $2,309.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,309
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,597 - $3,072
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $80 - $160 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, typically costs $748.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Knoxville to Austin. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Knoxville, TN vs Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Knoxville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Knoxville, TN | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,795/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $213,473 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $50,994/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | None | None |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 57.46/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Texas, 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 213 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 1,037-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,037-mile route from Knoxville, TN, to Austin, TX, run $2,259 - $8,314 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,195 - $3,802, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $700 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,666, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Austin, TX
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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 Austin a safe place to live?
Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.