($483+) Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Tampa, FL, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $483 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,231 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 668 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,293, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,231 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,041 - $3,185, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $483 - $1,285.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tampa, FL, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,851 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Tampa to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,851 - $4,663 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 29% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 73% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 668 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 668-mile route from Tampa to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,293 - $3,662 | $1,041 - $1,757 | $483 - $868 | $883 - $1,630 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,851 - $4,663 | $1,310 - $2,533 | $500 - $1,052 | $986 - $2,106 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,320 - $7,231 | $1,786 - $3,185 | $683 - $1,285 | $1,429 - $2,522 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 668-mile move from Tampa, Florida, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,293 - $7,231. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $298 - $1,984. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tampa and Knoxville. Local movers in Tampa typically start around $266 as a base rate plus $84/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tampa to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,293 - $3,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,851 - $4,663
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,320 - $7,231
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tampa to Knoxville.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Tampa movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $496 - $4,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage | $198 - $1,190/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,381 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $992 - $2,976 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,480 - $9,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $743 - $1,412 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Guys Moving | $992 - $2,480 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Golden Movers LLC | $794 - $3,472 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $298 - $1,488 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $645 - $1,984 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,472+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tampa to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tampa, FL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Tampa, Florida, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,041 and $3,185. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tampa costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tampa to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $1,757
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,310 - $2,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,185
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tampa, FL and Knoxville, TN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $694 in Tampa, FL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Florida to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,041. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,310 - $2,533.
What are the best moving containers Tampa to Knoxville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tampa to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tampa:
- Strong College Students Moving (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
Truck rentals from Tampa, Florida, to Knoxville, Tennessee, range from $483 - $1,285 for the 668-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $211 - $241
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Tampa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.60 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tampa to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $483 - $868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $500 - $1,052
- 4+ bedrooms: $683 - $1,285
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tampa to Knoxville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $483 - $1,285. But once you factor in fuel ($211 - $241), overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $149 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $64 and $322 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $211 - $241 in fuel for the 668-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $694 in Tampa, Florida, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tampa to Knoxville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Tampa, Florida, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $986 and $2,106.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tampa to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $883 - $1,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $986 - $2,106
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,522
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $149 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tampa, Florida, typically costs $694.
What are the best freight companies from Tampa to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Knoxville quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Knoxville, TN
Tampa and Knoxville land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Tampa and 92 in Knoxville, and average rent is $1,930/mo vs. $1,795/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 51 vs 31 and safety scores are 53.85 vs 57.46.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Tampa, FL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Florida to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 885 movers based in Florida, handy for sizing up options on this 668-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 668-mile route from Tampa, FL, to Knoxville, TN, run $1,293 - $7,231 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,041 - $3,185, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $483 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,851, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Tampa, FL, to Knoxville, TN
How walkable is Knoxville?
Knoxville has a walkability score of 31 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 30, compared to 51 and 51 in Tampa. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Knoxville a safe place to live?
Knoxville has a safety index of 57.46 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.54, compared to 53.85 and 46.15 in Tampa. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Tampa, FL to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Tampa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tampa handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.