Rochester, NY to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Knoxville typically costs $2,200–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 752 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Rochester to Knoxville
Moving from Rochester, NY to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,200–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 752-mile move from Rochester 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,042 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,790 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $7,033 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Rochester to Knoxville
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Rochester to Knoxville might be as low as $1,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,000.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Rochester.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,600 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Knoxville movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Rochester to Knoxville
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Rochester to Knoxville, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 NY→TN movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 148 New York movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about -4% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Rochester.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $2,274 in Rochester; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,921.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Rochester | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 44% higher in Knoxville than in Rochester, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 75% higher in Knoxville than in Rochester.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Knoxville and Rochester, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Knoxville and Rochester, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- As you plan your move to Knoxville, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 6% more than it is in Rochester.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 52% lower than Rochester, Knoxville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville exceed those in Rochester by 16%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Rochester and Knoxville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Rochester than in Knoxville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Rochester than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in Rochester than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Rochester than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Knoxville
| Rochester | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 30 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is about 10% less than Rochester.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Rochester's score of 6.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 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 Rochester, which has a score of 60.
- Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 42.54 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Knoxville is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 57.46 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Knoxville move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Tennessee moving license through 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Knoxville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to Marble City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, it's the perfect time to explore Knoxville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Knoxville include museums and art centers like the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Lakeshore Park, World's Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Knoxville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Rochester to Knoxville. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Knoxville?
With many people choosing to move from Rochester 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 Rochester to Knoxville take?
Covering 752 miles, the move from Rochester, NY to Knoxville, TN typically takes two to seven days. Some Rochester movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Knoxville can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Rochester can handle specialty items for my move to Knoxville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Rochester, 7 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
