($1,281) Movers From Chicago, IL to Knoxville, TN

What to know before moving from Chicago to Knoxville

Moving from Chicago to Knoxville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Knoxville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Knoxville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Knoxville are 12% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Knoxville are 18.4% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Knoxville is 14.7% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Knoxville include Regal Cinemas Corp, Regal, and Pilot Flying J.
• The cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 40.1% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 43.9% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 47.78% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Knoxville, since the city’s sales taxes in Knoxville are 9.76% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Knoxville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,796.05 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Knoxville

• Knoxville's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
• Knoxville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Knoxville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score 30 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.54 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Knoxville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.46 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Knoxville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Knoxville move

• Weather: Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.
• 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Knoxville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Marble City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Knoxville.

Helpful moving resources