Quick answer: Expect to pay $903–$8,877 for a move from Portland to Knoxville, with most moves taking two to eight days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,019 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Knoxville to Portland guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Portland to Knoxville
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Portland to Knoxville isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your ME to TN move
Local moving companies in Portland
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- William C. Huff Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bridges Bros. Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 361089
Years in Business: 117
DOT #: 361089
Alternate Names: William C. Huff Trucking Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3152985
Years in Business: 106
DOT #: 3152985
Alternate Names: Bridges Brothers Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company, Bisson I & R Commercial Services, Bisson I & R Document Security, Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Knoxville?
Portland movers charge $135 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,661 - $6,966 | $1,054 - $2,621 | $852 - $1,494 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,698 - $8,877 | $1,947 - $3,542 | $903 - $1,774 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,830 - $11,522 | $2,601 - $5,049 | $1,101 - $2,250 |
Cost to hire movers from Maine to Tennessee
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maine to Tennessee will cost between $1,661 and $6,966. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from ME to TN will range from $3,698 to $8,877, and a large move from Maine to Tennessee will cost from $5,830 to $11,522.
Cost of moving containers from Maine to Tennessee
Moving from Maine to Tennessee? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,054 and $2,621. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,947 to $3,542. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,601 up to $5,049. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maine to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $852 and $1,494. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $903 and $1,774. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,101 up to $2,250 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Knoxville
What to know before moving from Portland to Knoxville
Moving from Portland to Knoxville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Portland than in Knoxville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Portland compares to Knoxville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Portland | Knoxville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,991 | $1,795 |
Average home value | $542,001 | $350,035 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $61,050 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,491 | $2,184 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,060 | $5,200 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.7% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 5.8% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 10% lower than in Portland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Knoxville.
Home prices in Knoxville are 35.4% lower than in Portland. - Income in Knoxville is 4.9% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Knoxville — including Regal Cinemas Corp, Regal, and Pilot Flying J — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Knoxville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 12.3% lower than in Portland.
- 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 14.2% less than what it costs in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 9.62% lower than in Portland.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Knoxville, since its sales taxes are 68.18% higher than what you are paying in Portland.
- One perk of moving to Knoxville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,630.27 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Knoxville
Knoxville | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 190,740 | 68,408 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
Walkability score | 31 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 30 | 68 |
Crime Index | 42.54 | 32.16 |
Safety Index | 57.46 | 67.84 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Knoxville is about 179% greater than Portland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Knoxville without a car might be more difficult than in Portland. Knoxville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Portland is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Knoxville neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Knoxville isn't as walkable as Portland, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Knoxville, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, Knoxville earned a 30. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Knoxville is higher than in Portland, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 42.54 in Knoxville, it is 32.16 in Portland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Knoxville. With a crime index of 57.46, Knoxville ranks lower in overall safety than Portland, whose index is 67.84. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Knoxville and Portland is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
- Seymour
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Maryville
- Alcoa
- Loudon
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: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, Old Smoky Railway Museum, and Art Market Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lakeshore Park, World's Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- 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 Portland to Knoxville?
The best time to move from Portland to Knoxville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Knoxville?
With many people choosing to move from Portland to Knoxville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Portland to Knoxville take?
The 1,019-mile move from Portland, ME, to Knoxville, TN, takes two to eight days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.