Winston-Salem, NC to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha.
Background image of a moving truck

Quick answer: Moving from Winston-Salem to Knoxville typically costs $1,700–$4,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 257 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville

Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Knoxville, TN typically costs $1,700–$4,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 257-mile move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,000 - $3,700
  • Moving Container $1,000 - $1,600
  • Rental Truck $300 - $600
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,700 - $4,500
  • Moving Container $1,200 - $2,300
  • Rental Truck $300 - $700
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,200 - $6,500
  • Moving Container $1,500 - $2,800
  • Rental Truck $400 - $800

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • BLVD Moving recently quoted $1,915 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • PODS recently quoted $2,523 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
  • Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,425 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
BLVD Moving
Whitsett, NC Powell, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Feb 17, 2026
PODS
East Spencer, NC Norris, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 16, 2026
Safeway Moving
Clemmons, NC Dandridge, TN
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 13, 2026
United Van Lines
Wallburg, NC Morristown, TN
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 16, 2026
Joyce Van Lines
Kernersville, NC Clinton, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 07, 2026
Allied Van Lines
Lexington, NC Vonore, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 12, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayodan, NC Jefferson City, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 10, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Rural Hall, NC Tazewell, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 02, 2025
North American Van Lines
Sedalia, NC Harriman, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025
Mayflower Transit
High Point, NC Baneberry, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Nov 25, 2025

Factors that impact moving costs from Winston-Salem to Knoxville

Your total cost will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,000, but larger homes can run up to $6,500.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Winston-Salem.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($300–$800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Winston-Salem, NC guide.

Best Winston-Salem to Knoxville movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Winston-Salem to Knoxville

For a stress-free interstate move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best NC→TN movers

Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 115 North Carolina moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
  • Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
  • Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Knoxville

Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Winston-Salem - roughly 10% less for singles and 1% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,420 in Winston-Salem. For a family of four, it's $5,200 compared with $5,265.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Winston-Salem Knoxville
Average 1 BR rent $1,490 $1,667
Average 3 BR rent $2,260 $3,210
Average home value $248,806 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $61,050
Cost of living (single) $2,420 $2,184
Cost of living (family of four) $5,265 $5,200
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.7%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.25%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • As you consider relocating to Knoxville, note that rent can be roughly 38% more expensive than it is in Winston-Salem; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 41% higher in Knoxville than in Winston-Salem.
  • The average income in Knoxville and Winston-Salem is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
  • Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, where the cost of living for a single person is 10% less than in Winston-Salem.
  • You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Knoxville and Winston-Salem, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
  • Knoxville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 10% lower than that of Winston-Salem. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
  • Sales taxes are 32% higher in Knoxville than in Winston-Salem. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
  • 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.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Winston-Salem with Knoxville:

Living Expense Winston-Salem Knoxville
Basic utilities $188.00 $215.94
Cell phone plan $52.67 $54.00
Dozen eggs $4.71 $4.06
Loaf of bread $3.95 $3.64
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $19.50 $18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $75.00 $85.00
Gym membership $17.50 $34.67
  • Basic utilities cost less in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.
  • Eggs cost more in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.
  • Bread is more expensive in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Winston-Salem than in Knoxville.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Knoxville

Winston-Salem Knoxville
Population 249,545 190,740
Transportation score 3 4
Walkability score 22 31
Bike friendliness score 29 30
Crime index 32.67 42.54
Safety index 67.33 57.46
Air quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 24% less than Winston-Salem.
  • Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Winston-Salem's score of 3.
  • Knoxville is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
  • Both Knoxville and Winston-Salem have similar bike-friendliness scores (29 vs 30), meaning Knoxville is about as safe for cyclists as Winston-Salem. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Winston-Salem with a score of 42.54 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 57.46 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Winston-Salem it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem to Knoxville move

  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Knoxville smoothly. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Knoxville

Now that you've chosen Marble City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Knoxville to check out.

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 getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it's time to see what Knoxville is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Knoxville offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Winston-Salem are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville?

Because spring and fall moves from Winston-Salem to Knoxville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Winston-Salem to Knoxville take?

A move of 257 miles from Winston-Salem, NC to Knoxville, TN generally takes one to four days. Movers in Winston-Salem sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Knoxville is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in Winston-Salem?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in Winston-Salem offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 15 movers in Winston-Salem have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 10 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.