Louisville, KY to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Louisville to Knoxville typically costs $1,700–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 246 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Louisville to Knoxville
Moving from Louisville, KY to Knoxville, TN typically costs $1,700–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 246-mile move from Louisville to Knoxville, 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
- PODS recently quoted $889 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,564 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,432 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Louisville to Knoxville
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Louisville to Knoxville may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Louisville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($300–$800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Louisville, KY guide.
Best Louisville to Knoxville movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Louisville to Knoxville
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Louisville to Knoxville. 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
How we chose the best KY→TN movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 29 Kentucky 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 Louisville to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about 17% higher for singles and 15% higher for families than Louisville.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $1,862 in Louisville; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,532.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Louisville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,220 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,120 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $242,612 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,771 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,862 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,532 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 44% more expensive in Knoxville than in Louisville. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 44% steeper in Knoxville compared to Louisville.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 12% less in Knoxville than in Louisville.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Knoxville, with the cost of living for a single person being 17% more than in Louisville. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Knoxville, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 15% higher than in Louisville.
- Knoxville has a lower unemployment rate than Louisville by about 6%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville surpass those in Louisville by 54%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Louisville versus Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Louisville | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $225.63 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.73 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.02 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.61 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $22.00 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Louisville than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Louisville than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Louisville vs. Knoxville
| Louisville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 782,969 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 91 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 79 | 30 |
| Crime index | 56.68 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 43.32 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 76% less than Louisville.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Louisville's score of 6.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 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 Louisville, which has a score of 79.
- Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Louisville with a score of 42.54 compared to Louisville's 56.68. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Louisville with a safety index of 57.46 vs Louisville's 43.32.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Louisville it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Louisville to Knoxville 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, 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 Knoxville. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Knoxville
With your sights set on Marble City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Knoxville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — 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 Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Louisville to Knoxville?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Louisville to Knoxville. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Louisville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Knoxville?
Want to save on your move from Louisville to Knoxville? 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 Louisville to Knoxville take?
The 246-mile move from Louisville, KY, to Knoxville, TN, takes one to two days. Some Louisville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.
What kinds of discounts do Louisville 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 Louisville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 11 movers in Louisville provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 21 piano movers and 14 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.