St. Petersburg, FL to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Petersburg to Knoxville typically costs $2,300–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 691 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville
Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,300–$5,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 691-mile move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,211 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $685 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,684 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 20, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 05, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Petersburg to Knoxville move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,600 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in St. Petersburg.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $600 to $1,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to St. Petersburg, FL guide.
Best St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to Knoxville
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
Best overall value
How we chose the best FL→TN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 227 Florida movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than St. Petersburg - roughly 17% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $2,642 in St. Petersburg. For a family of four, it's $5,200 compared with $6,178.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Petersburg | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | |
| Average home value | $360,584 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,642 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,178 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from St. Petersburg to Knoxville, expect to find rent about 13% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Knoxville and St. Petersburg, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- In terms of average income, Knoxville and St. Petersburg are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, as the cost of living for a single person is 17% lower compared to St. Petersburg.
- A move to Knoxville can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16% less than what it costs in St. Petersburg.
- With Knoxville and St. Petersburg having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville are 32% more than in St. Petersburg, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Neither Florida nor Tennessee has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between St. Petersburg and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | St. Petersburg | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | |
| Gym membership | $34.67 |
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Knoxville
| St. Petersburg | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 30 |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 60.46 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 26% less than St. Petersburg.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than St. Petersburg's score of 6.
- Knoxville is less walkable than St. Petersburg with a score of 31 out of 100 vs St. Petersburg's 43 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 St. Petersburg, which has a score of 59.
- Knoxville's crime rate is higher than St. Petersburg with a score of 42.54 compared to St. Petersburg's 39.54. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54%.
- Knoxville and St. Petersburg have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.46 and 60.46.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in St. Petersburg it's Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Knoxville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Knoxville
Planning your move to Marble City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville?
Planning your move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Petersburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from St. Petersburg to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Knoxville take?
The 691-mile journey from St. Petersburg, FL to Knoxville, TN, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in St. Petersburg offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Knoxville.
Are there special savings available from movers in St. Petersburg?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in St. Petersburg?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Petersburg, 31 movers can manage piano relocations. 21 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
