Top-rated local movers that handle San Francisco to Knoxville moves
When planning a move from San Francisco to Knoxville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 91 local movers in San Francisco who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Francisco to Knoxville.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Knoxville?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,328 – $5,528 | $1,297 – $3,129 | $1,445 – $2,584 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,621 – $7,343 | $2,189 – $4,693 | $1,475 – $3,107 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,875 – $11,247 | $3,013 – $6,573 | $1,788 – $3,928 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Knoxville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Knoxville, you can expect to spend between $1,328 and $5,528. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,621 to $7,343 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Knoxville typically runs between $6,875 and $11,247.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Knoxville
When moving from San Francisco to Knoxville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,297 and $3,129. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,189 to $4,693. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,013 up to $6,573. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Knoxville
Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Knoxville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,445 and $2,584. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,475 and $3,107. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,788 and $3,928.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Francisco to Knoxville
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,522, but larger homes can run up to $11,002.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Francisco.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,445–$3,618) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 42% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 45% lower in Knoxville than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 72% lower in Knoxville than in San Francisco.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 55% less in Knoxville than in San Francisco.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, where the cost of living for a single person is 42% less than in San Francisco.
- Moving to Knoxville could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 40% less than in San Francisco.
- Knoxville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 13% lower than that of San Francisco. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Knoxville than in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco with Knoxville:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Knoxville.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Knoxville
| San Francisco | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 30 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 76% less than San Francisco.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Knoxville is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 31 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Knoxville’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 42.54 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 57.46 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Knoxville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Knoxville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Knoxville?
Because spring and fall moves from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Knoxville take?
A move of 2,480 miles from San Francisco, CA to Knoxville, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Francisco offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 72 movers in San Francisco have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 64 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
San Francisco moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Tennessee car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!