Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Knoxville typically costs $2,600–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 830 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Knoxville
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,600–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 830-mile move from Des Moines 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,496 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,857 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,865 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Knoxville move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,100 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,000 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $1,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Knoxville
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines 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 IA→TN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa 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 Des Moines to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about 15% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Knoxville? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 56% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Knoxville are about 82% higher than those in Des Moines.
- In terms of average income, Knoxville and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Knoxville, as living costs for a single person are 15% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Knoxville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 19% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 20% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville are 32% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Knoxville
| Des Moines | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 30 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 73% less than Des Moines.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 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 Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.54 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Knoxville and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.46 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Knoxville?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Knoxville take?
The 830-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Des Moines 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 piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 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.
