Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville costs between $145 to $4,909 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 112-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chattanooga to Knoxville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chattanooga to driving and unloading in Knoxville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 112 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,377 - $4,235 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,042 - $1,815 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $144 - $264 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $99/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
It costs between $145 to $4,909 to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville. The prices below break down your 112-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $776 - $4,909
- Moving containers: $838 - $2,372
- Rental trucks: $145 - $281
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $776 - $3,302 | $838 - $1,461 | $145 - $215 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,377 - $4,235 | $1,042 - $1,815 | $144 - $264 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,888 - $4,909 | $1,431 - $2,372 | $168 - $281 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
At 112 miles, your Chattanooga to Knoxville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chattanooga to Knoxville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 112 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Good Guys Moving & Delivery is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chattanooga to Knoxville. They've been in business since 2014 (12 years of experience) and 93.9% of their 245 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville to Chattanooga guide.
Considerations when moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
When weighing the cost of living in Chattanooga versus Knoxville, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Knoxville really compares to Chattanooga.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $259,125 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,028 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 22% higher than in Chattanooga. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 18% lower than in Chattanooga. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Knoxville is 16% lower than in Chattanooga, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Knoxville is 34% cheaper for one person compared to Chattanooga. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 20% higher than in Chattanooga. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Knoxville less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Knoxville is 16% lower than in Chattanooga. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Knoxville and Chattanooga, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Chattanooga, you’d need about $1,980 in Knoxville.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Chattanooga and Knoxville. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 6" |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 42.54 |
Knoxville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville might look simple since both cities are about the same size, but don’t be fooled. What really sets them apart are the unique vibes, job opportunities, city layouts, and cost of living—those are the things you’ll notice most.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Chattanooga and Knoxville leaned Republican.
- In Knoxville and Chattanooga, summer highs run about the same — 88°F vs. 89°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Chattanooga and Knoxville face similar winter lows—Chattanooga drops to 28°F, while Knoxville falls to 28°F.
- Both Chattanooga and Knoxville receive similar amounts of rain annually—Chattanooga gets about 51 inches, while Knoxville sees around 50 inches each year.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville. Both average about 2 and 6 inches of snow each year.
- Knoxville offers more peace of mind than Chattanooga, with a lower crime index of 42.54 versus 53.89.
Things to do in Knoxville
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Knoxville has it all.
Museums in Knoxville
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- East Tennesse Historical Society
- Muse Knoxville
- Old Smoky Railway Museum
- Art Market Gallery
Parks in Knoxville
- Lakeshore Park
- World's Fair Park
- Krutch Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
- Volunteer Landing Park
Sports teams in Knoxville
- Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Universities in Knoxville
- South College
- The University of Tennessee
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Johnson University
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Chattanooga to Knoxville, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $646 and $2,837. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,377 up to $4,235. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,888 to $4,909 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Knoxville will cost you $580 to $1,344 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,042 to $1,815. A larger home will cost $1,431 to $2,372.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $139 to $224. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $144 and $264. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Chattanooga to Knoxville, costs usually fall between $168 and $281.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Knoxville movers?
To make your move from Chattanooga to Knoxville as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
For the best deals on your move to Knoxville, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
