Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Birmingham to Knoxville typically costs $1,800–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 256 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

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

Cost to move from Birmingham to Knoxville

Moving from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN typically costs $1,800–$4,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 256-mile move from Birmingham 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 $1,100 - $4,400
  • Moving Container $1,000 - $1,700
  • Rental Truck $300 - $600
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,800 - $4,900
  • Moving Container $1,200 - $2,400
  • Rental Truck $400 - $700
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,400 - $6,700
  • Moving Container $1,600 - $2,900
  • Rental Truck $400 - $900

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,903 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,908 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
  • United Van Lines recently quoted $3,545 for a 3 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.
Mayzlin Relocation
Dora, AL Pigeon Forge, TN
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Safeway Moving
Oneonta, AL Luttrell, TN
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United Van Lines
Ashville, AL Tellico Village, TN
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 31, 2026
American Van Lines
Chelsea, AL Louisville, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 26, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Alabaster, AL Alcoa, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 19, 2026
North American Van Lines
Bon Air, AL Sweetwater, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
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Allied Van Lines
Center Point, AL Powell, TN
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 20, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Harpersville, AL Harriman, TN
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 15, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Fultondale, AL Maynardville, TN
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 15, 2025
BLVD Moving
Gardendale, AL Tazewell, TN
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 02, 2025

Factors that affect moving costs from Birmingham to Knoxville

Your total cost will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Birmingham to Knoxville may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,700.
  • The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Birmingham.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($300–$900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Birmingham, AL guide.

Best Birmingham to Knoxville movers by type

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

Best professional movers from Birmingham to Knoxville

Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Birmingham 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.

  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 AL→TN movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama 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 Birmingham to Knoxville

Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Birmingham - roughly 19% less for singles and 23% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,697 in Birmingham. For a family of four, it's $5,200 compared with $6,727.

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

Birmingham Knoxville
Average 1 BR rent $1,542 $1,667
Average 3 BR rent $2,612 $3,210
Average home value $125,988 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $39,403 $61,050
Cost of living (single) $2,697 $2,184
Cost of living (family of four) $6,727 $5,200
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.7%
Sales tax 10.0% 9.25%
State income tax 5.0% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 44% more expensive in Knoxville than in Birmingham. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
  • Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 178% steeper in Knoxville compared to Birmingham.
  • Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 55% greater in Knoxville than in Birmingham, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
  • Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Knoxville. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Birmingham.
  • A move to Knoxville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower compared to Birmingham.
  • Knoxville has a lower unemployment rate than Birmingham by about 16%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
  • Sales taxes are 8% cheaper in Knoxville compared to Birmingham. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
  • 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 Birmingham versus Knoxville:

Living Expense Birmingham Knoxville
Basic utilities $211.40 $215.94
Cell phone plan $49.55 $54.00
Dozen eggs $4.20 $4.06
Loaf of bread $3.52 $3.64
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $18.00 $18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $85.00
Gym membership $47.50 $34.67
  • Basic utilities cost less in Birmingham than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Birmingham than in Knoxville.
  • Eggs cost more in Birmingham than in Knoxville.
  • Bread costs less in Birmingham than in Knoxville.
  • The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Birmingham than in Knoxville.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Birmingham than in Knoxville.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Knoxville

Birmingham Knoxville
Population 196,644 190,740
Transportation score 0 4
Walkability score 33 31
Bike friendliness score 31 30
Crime index 61.64 42.54
Safety index 38.36 57.46
Air quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is within about 5% of Birmingham, so they’re very similar in size.
  • Knoxville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
  • Knoxville is less walkable than Birmingham with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
  • Both Knoxville and Birmingham have similar bike-friendliness scores (31 vs 30), meaning Knoxville is about as safe for cyclists as Birmingham. 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 lower than Birmingham with a score of 42.54 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 57.46 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Birmingham it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Knoxville?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Birmingham to Knoxville. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Birmingham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Knoxville?

Want to save on your move from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Knoxville take?

The 256-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Knoxville, TN, takes one to four days. Some Birmingham 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 Birmingham movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Birmingham?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Birmingham provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.