Lexington, KY to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Lexington to Knoxville typically costs $1,500–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 173 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Lexington to Knoxville
Moving from Lexington, KY to Knoxville, TN typically costs $1,500–$4,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 173-mile move from Lexington to Knoxville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,194 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,257 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,605 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Lexington to Knoxville
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $900, but larger homes can run up to $5,900.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Lexington.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($200–$500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY guide.
Best Lexington to Knoxville movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Lexington to Knoxville
For a stress-free interstate move from Lexington to Knoxville, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 KY→TN movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 29 Kentucky moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Lexington to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about -30% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Lexington.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $3,100 in Lexington; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,170.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lexington | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,175 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,110 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,100 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,170 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Knoxville, note that rent can be roughly 33% more expensive than it is in Lexington; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 13% higher in Knoxville than in Lexington.
- The average income in Knoxville and Lexington is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Knoxville, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Lexington.
- If your journey leads to Knoxville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 25% more than it is in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 9% higher compared to Lexington, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 54% higher in Knoxville than in Lexington. 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 Lexington with Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Lexington | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $206.92 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.33 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.98 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.90 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $14.25 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lexington than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lexington than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lexington than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Knoxville
| Lexington | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 90 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 85 | 30 |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 49.12 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 40% less than Lexington.
- Knoxville's public transportation score is within about 5% of Lexington, making them very similar.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Lexington's 90 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 Lexington, which has a score of 85.
- Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 42.54 compared to Lexington's 50.88. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 57.46 vs Lexington's 49.12.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Lexington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington 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 Lexington to Knoxville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lexington to Knoxville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lexington are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Knoxville?
Because spring and fall moves from Lexington 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 Lexington to Knoxville take?
A move of 173 miles from Lexington, KY to Knoxville, TN generally takes one to two days. Movers in Lexington sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Knoxville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Lexington offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Lexington have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across KY, there are 21 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
