($1,451+) Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $1,451 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,991 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,579 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $3,085, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,991 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,892 - $7,159, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,451 - $4,145.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,238 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Moving options from Tacoma to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,238 - $9,037 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 2,579-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,579-mile route from Tacoma to Knoxville, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $3,085 - $6,832 $1,892 - $3,558 $1,451 - $2,810 $1,702 - $3,169
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,238 - $9,037 $2,428 - $5,262 $1,701 - $3,484 $2,082 - $4,294
4+ bedrooms $8,304 - $13,991 $3,379 - $7,159 $2,027 - $4,145 $2,730 - $5,955

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Hiring full-service movers from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $3,085 and $13,991. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,579-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $332 - $2,212, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Tacoma and Knoxville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tacoma tend to start around $316 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,085 - $6,832
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,238 - $9,037
  • 4+ bedrooms: $8,304 - $13,991

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 Tacoma to Knoxville.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Tennessee. 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 Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Knoxville, 67% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$553 - $5,530
Storage in transitNew place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$221 - $1,327/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$332 - $2,654
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers$1,106 - $3,318
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,765 - $11,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$828 - $1,574
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$1,106 - $2,765
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$885 - $3,871
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers$332 - $1,659
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage$719 - $2,212
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$332 - $16,590+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$332 - $3,871+

What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Knoxville?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tacoma, WA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,892 and $7,159. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,892 - $3,558
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,428 - $5,262
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,379 - $7,159

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $83 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $166 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $774 in Tacoma, WA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Knoxville, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Tennessee 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 $1,892. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,428 - $5,262, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Knoxville?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:

  • All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
  • Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
  • A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Truck rentals from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, range from $1,451 - $4,145 for the 2,579-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $908 - $1,037
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Knoxville based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $2,810
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,701 - $3,484
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,027 - $4,145

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tacoma to Knoxville starts at $1,451 - $4,145, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($908 - $1,037) , overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $166 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Tacoma, Washington, usually costs about $774 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,579-mile drive falls between $908 and $1,037, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $55 and $332 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Knoxville?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee. 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 $995 and $4,294.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Knoxville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,702 - $3,169
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,082 - $4,294
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,730 - $5,955

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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $83 - $166 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 Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $774.

What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Knoxville?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

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: Tacoma, WA vs Knoxville, TN

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Knoxville, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Tacoma, WA Knoxville, TN
Cost of living index12392
Average rent$1,650/mo$1,795/mo
Median home value$454,577$213,473
Average income$83,857/yr$50,994/yr
Unemployment rate7.3%4.7%
State income taxNoneNone
Walkability score54/10031/100
Safety index44.45/10057.46/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Knoxville, TN to Tacoma, WA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 95 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 2,579-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 2,579-mile route from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN, run $3,085 - $13,991 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,892 - $7,159, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,451 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,238, 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 Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.

FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN

How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?

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.

What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Knoxville a safe place to live?

Knoxville has a safety index of 57.46 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.54, compared to 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,701 - $3,484. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.